We can't just wake up one day and declare a strike - TUC defends the October 10 deadline

Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, has justified the decision by organized labour to embark on a strike on October 10, 2024, after the government failed to meet its deadline to address the issue of galamsey.

A nationwide strike beginning October 10, 2024, was declared by organized labour following the government's failure to address illegal mining (galamsey) issues by the end of September. 

Speaking in an interview with TV3 on October 2, 2024, Joshua Ansah explained that declaring a strike requires careful planning and preparation. 

"To declare a strike is not just ‘let's wake up one day and say we are declaring the strike.’ It needs planning. We need to plan very well. Our members have to be informed and understand why they are laying down their tools," he stated.

He clarified that the October 10 deadline is for organizational purposes and not a concession to the government. 

"If the government decides to act within this period, then of course we will call off the strike. But if the government fails to adhere to our demands, then on the 10th, we will go on a nationwide strike," he warned.

Ansah also bemoaned the politicization of the issue and urged all political parties to come together and sign a pact to address the labour concerns. 

"This is a national issue affecting everybody in this country. We should stop politicizing it. Labor is calling on the government to ensure that all political parties, be it NPP, NDC, CPP, or others, come and sign a pact on their position on this menace that is killing this very country," he added.

In a statement released on October 1, 2024, the labour group highlighted the severe environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, including the destruction of rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves. 

It called for a state of emergency in affected areas, the establishment of special courts for swift prosecution of galamsey operators, and the deployment of the military to dismantle mining equipment.

It urged all workers to stay at home from October 10, 2024, until their demands are met.

However, concerns were raised about the date given for the strike, with some stakeholders stating that the date was a form of concession to the government.

ID/OGB

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