Organised Labour suspends nationwide

Organised Labour has suspended the nationwide strike that was set to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders evaluated the situation and opted to call off the industrial action.

The suspension followed assurances from the government to address illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey. Organised Labour acknowledged that the government has taken significant steps, such as strengthening the Operational Halt initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces to curb illegal mining operations in forest reserves.

During a media briefing, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, stated that the suspension would allow Labour to observe the government’s implementation of these measures. The strike, which had gained support from several unions, was initially intended to pressure the government to declare a state of emergency and intensify efforts to combat the environmental damage caused by galamsey.

While unions like the Public Utility Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union endorsed the strike, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) chose to distance themselves, opting to continue providing essential healthcare services.

The decision to call off the strike has surprised many, given the unions’ firm stance in prior meetings and public statements. Organised Labour emphasized that it would continue to monitor developments closely and remain committed to advocating for workers’ rights and addressing the illegal mining crisis.