Galamsey: Government disappointed over Organized Labour’s decision to go ahead with nationwide strike

The government of Ghana has voiced its disappointment over the decision by Organised Labour to proceed with a nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, despite recent efforts to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Organised Labour has been advocating for a more robust response to the illegal mining crisis, including calls for the president to declare a state of emergency and introduce long-term measures to combat the issue. The group argues that immediate action is necessary to curb the environmental damage and social disruptions caused by galamsey activities.

In a statement released on Monday, October 7, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar expressed shock at Organised Labour’s insistence on moving forward with the strike. She highlighted that the government had demonstrated its commitment to fighting illegal mining, referencing a recent meeting where both parties agreed to collaborate on tackling the problem.

“The government’s dedication to eradicating illegal mining remains unwavering. We had hoped that our ongoing efforts would be acknowledged, especially in light of recent progress,” Abubakar stated.

To further demonstrate its commitment, the government has supported calls for all presidential candidates to sign a pact against galamsey. Additionally, it announced plans to revoke the controversial Environmental Protection Regulations 2023 (L.I. 2462) once Parliament reconvenes, a move expected to tighten regulations around mining activities.

Despite these assurances, Organised Labour maintains that the government’s current efforts fall short and insists that a nationwide strike is necessary to press for more decisive action.

The standoff between the government and Organised Labour signals ongoing tensions over how best to address the galamsey crisis, a challenge that continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and its local communities.