Galamsey: Organised Labour suspends October 10 strike, UTAG proceeds

On Wednesday, October 9, Organised Labour cancelled its planned nationwide strike against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, following government assurances to address their concerns.

The strike, initially scheduled for Thursday, October 10, aimed to pressure the government into taking immediate, drastic measures to stop environmental destruction, particularly the pollution of water bodies, and to revoke Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.

After hours of deliberation, Organised Labour informed the press that they had considered the government’s efforts to address their concerns about the illegal mining crisis. On Monday, the government had announced several measures, including a presidential directive to deploy the military to protect rivers, forest reserves, and other environmentally sensitive areas from illegal mining activities.

According to them, the measures specifically targeted illegal miners, who pose the greatest threat to the environment and ecosystem.

Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), explained that the decision to suspend the strike came after receiving assurances from the government.

“Following this meeting, the government offered enhanced and time-bound measures in respect of our demands and the fight against illegal mining,” Ansah said.

The government’s promises included the revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462). President Akufo-Addo directed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to submit a memorandum for the revocation of the L.I. to Parliament when it reconvenes on October 15, 2024.

Ansah emphasised that Organised Labour would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure progress in the fight against environmental degradation while also remaining committed to protecting workers’ rights.

Meanwhile, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced that it would proceed with its planned strike against galamsey on Thursday, October 10, despite Organised Labour’s decision.

In a referendum held on October 9, UTAG members overwhelmingly voted in favour of the strike, with 77.95% (2,153 votes) supporting the motion, 21.98% (607 votes) opposing it, and 0.07% (2 votes) abstaining.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG subsequently declared an immediate and indefinite strike across all 15 branches, effective Thursday. The association instructed its members to comply with the strike until the government formally announces a nationwide ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.

“Following the referendum, the NEC convened an emergency meeting, invoking Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution. In line with this constitutional mandate, NEC has unanimously declared an immediate INDEFINITE STRIKE from the 10th of October 2024 across all 15 UTAG branches. All members are directed to comply with this decision until the government formally announces a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water,” UTAG stated.