Galamsey: 80% members of UG UTAG vote to join Oganised Labour strike

The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has decided to join Organised Labour’s industrial action in protest against illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as 'Galamsey.'

Out of the 443 members who participated in the vote on Tuesday, October 8, 355 members (representing 80.14%) voted in favor of joining the strike, while 88 members (representing 19.6%) opposed it.

Organised Labour had earlier resolved to embark on a nationwide strike starting on October 10, despite President Akufo-Addo’s appeal during a meeting on October 4 to give him more time to address their concerns.

Speaking in Accra on October 7, the spokesperson for Organised Labour, Joshua Ansah, reiterated that they would not back down on their decision to strike. Although the meeting was held behind closed doors, the leadership reaffirmed their intention to proceed with the strike if the government failed to ban illegal mining.

“We had a discussion, and we stated that by the tenth of October, if nothing has been done, there will be a nationwide strike. Our strike decision remains unchanged. We believe the government’s proposed measures do not adequately address our demands, and therefore, our notice of strike remains in effect. The President has engaged with us, and we have communicated our demand. If nothing changes, we will proceed with our strike,” Ansah stressed.

Other union leaders urged President Akufo-Addo to announce a total ban on illegal mining before October 10.

In response, the government expressed surprise at the decision of Organised Labour to strike over galamsey. The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, issued a statement detailing the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining.

The statement mentioned that during the October 3 meeting at the Jubilee House, the President and Organised Labour discussed the long-standing issue of illegal mining, reviewed the situation, and considered the government’s ongoing efforts. It was agreed that:

The government will collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.

Once Parliament reconvenes this month, the government will take steps to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462).

The government will intensify its enforcement measures, particularly in prohibiting illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.

Water bodies and forest reserves are designated as Red Zones for mining, and all forms of mining in these areas, including reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and/or small-scale mining, are strictly prohibited. Law enforcement agencies are fully mandated to eliminate all forms of mining activities in these areas.

The Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.

The government supports the call for all Presidential Candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining to depoliticize this national issue.

“In light of the above, the government is surprised by Organised Labour’s decision to commence an industrial action from October 10, 2024. The government will, however, continue to engage with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in constructive dialogue to find solutions to this national problem. The government reiterates its commitment to combating illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to support this fight,” the statement concluded.