Ghana mine workers union to strike on October 1 if govt fails to act on galamsey

The Ghana Mine Workers Union has reaffirmed its plan to go on strike on October 1, unless the government intervenes at the last minute.

Speaking to the media, the union’s General Secretary, Abdul Gbaana, stressed the need for urgent action to address the escalating issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey. According to Gbaana, illegal mining activities have worsened, with individuals becoming increasingly brazen despite the severe environmental risks.

He expressed disappointment that President Nana Akufo-Addo did not adequately address the issue at the United Nations General Assembly, where he had the opportunity to inform global leaders and investors about Ghana’s efforts to combat galamsey.

Gbaana urged the President to declare a state of emergency and implement measures to protect the country’s water bodies and forests from further destruction. He criticized the President’s apparent lack of commitment to solving the problem, stating that it seems as though he has given up on the fight against illegal mining.

The union leader emphasized that the issue transcends political divisions and is a national crisis requiring immediate attention.

He warned that if the government does not take decisive action, organized labour will move forward with planned demonstrations and strikes.

“The situation continues to worsen. People are even emboldened more than ever before. And indeed with impunity. You find videos circulating on social media where people feel emboldened to do galamsey. They don’t give a damn. And so organized labour’s determination to proceed on a demonstration and subsequently a nationwide strike is something that we are determined to do.”

“So between today and Monday, unless something changes, unless something happens, if not, I expect that organized labour plan demonstrations will happen and then subsequently a nationwide strike action will take place.”