President Akufo-Addo Meets Organized Labour to Discuss Illegal Mining Concerns

Accra, October 4, 2024 — President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held a crucial meeting with Organized Labour on October 3, 2024, at the Jubilee House to deliberate on pressing issues related to illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as "galamsey." The engagement comes in response to heightened concerns from Organized Labour regarding the detrimental impact of illegal mining activities on the environment and communities across the nation.

The government expressed appreciation to Organized Labour for honoring the President's invitation and reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote sustainable mining practices and environmental protection. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing the galamsey menace through a collaborative approach, involving communities, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

During the discussions, representatives of Organized Labour reiterated their stance, warning that they would resort to a nationwide strike if the government fails to take immediate action to curb illegal mining activities. The leaders expressed frustration over the continuous degradation of water bodies, forests, and farmlands, which they believe is compromising the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

In a reassuring response, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the gravity of the situation and outlined the government’s strategies to tackle the menace. He highlighted ongoing initiatives and new policies aimed at enforcing strict regulations, restoring affected areas, and ensuring that legal mining operations adhere to environmental and safety standards.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of Information released a statement underscoring the government’s resolve to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and foster a culture of sustainable resource management. The statement also indicated that further engagements with Organized Labour and other relevant stakeholders would be pursued to ensure a comprehensive solution to the issue.

The dialogue between the government and Organized Labour is seen as a critical step toward resolving the longstanding challenges associated with galamsey, and all parties have pledged to continue working together to achieve lasting outcomes for the nation’s environment and economy.