The Ghana federation of Labour (GFL) has indicated that their impending strike action against the rampant illegal mining in the country remains unchanged despite the Government’s assurance that the menace will be tackled.
Beginning from October 10, 2024, majority of Ghanaian workers may not show up for work following a directive by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to workers to begin a strike action on the said day to force the government to act on illegal mining.
The directive is in connection with the government’s failure to address critical concerns regarding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in forest reserves across the country.
The directive forced President Nana Akufo-Addo to meet the leaders of Organised Labour on Thursday and appealed to them to suspend the strike, assuring the workers group that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government is dedicated to protecting the environment while pursuing sustainable mining practices.
But speaking on Power Kasiebo on Tv XYZ after the meeting, Secretary-General of the GFL, Mr Abraham Koomson, said despite the assurance from Akufo-Addo, the strike will take place as scheduled.
“For how longn has this illegal mining been destroying our waterbodies and forests?” he quizzed. “We have been talking about this for years but the government seems not to care probably because some of his appointees are benefitting from it.”
According to him, President Nana Akufo-Addo has “showcased traits of dishonesty many times hence we cannot believe his words.”
Although he said the president kept appealing to the leadership of Organised Labour at the meeting, the strike action will take place as scheduled un til they see tremendous change in the colour of the rivers which have been heavily polluted by galamsey.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging all relevant stakeholders in finding solutions to Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.
In a statement on Friday, October 4, Fatimatu Abubakar reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable mining and environmental protection.
She assured the public that the government will continue to engage with all stakeholders to achieve these objectives.
Below is the statement
Source: Myxyzonline.com
