Galamsey Fight: Organized Labour Suspends Strike Action

Organized Labour, has decided to suspend its intended strike action against the devastating effects of illegal mining by some Ghanaians.

Their decision follows a communiqué from the President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo, reaffirming stringent measures taken to mitigate the menace of galamsey.

They have therefore called on all its member organisations not to go ahead with the strike action, and to rally behind the directives outlined by the President in combating the illegal mining activities.

Expectations Not Met

Earlier, Organised Labour had reaffirmed its commitment to embark on the industrial action because the outcome of a previous meeting with the President and government officials on October 7, 2024, did not meet their expectations

According to the group, the measures announced by government were not adequate enough in addressing and stopping the dangers posed by illegal mining.

Prez Takes Action

But upon further discussions and lengthy deliberations, and just hours before Organized Labour’s deadline expired, President Akufo-Addo’s declared the total suspension of mining in forest reserves, as a way of mitigating the devastating impact of illegal mining.

The President also directed the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, to deploy Military personnel to the galamsey sites to halt all operations.

The move, which is part of the government’s “Operation Halt” comes into effect following incessant calls on the President to take action against the illegal miners, especially by Organized Labour..

A statement signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, further reiterated the President’s call for a National Pact on illegal mining, urging Organised Labour to encourage all presidential candidates and their political parties to sign a pact committing themselves to the fight against the illegal mining as part of their election pledges.

President’s Decisive Actions Convincing 

It is in light of these decisive actions by the President that Organised Labour felt compelled to suspend its planned strike action on 10th October 2024, and collaborate with Government and other stakeholders to ensure the effective combat of the galamsey menace.

Organized Labour says they are convinced by measures outlined by the President, thus it is prudent they call of the strike immediately.

Source: Peacefmonline