Organised Labour has reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the need to end illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, across the country. This came following a crucial meeting held on September 17, 2024, with the ad-hoc inter-ministerial Committee established by the President to engage stakeholders in the ongoing fight against the galamsey menace that has caused widespread environmental destruction and economic challenges.
In a strong statement issued on Tuesday, Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of Organised Labour, expressed the union’s determination to ensure that the galamsey crisis is addressed once and for all. He emphasized that the issue has reached a critical point and requires immediate and permanent solutions. Organised Labour remains resolute in its demands and has taken further steps to push for a decisive end to the illegal mining activities ravaging the country’s natural resources.
Ansah highlighted the additional demands put forth during the meeting, which reflect the gravity of the situation and the need for broader actions beyond what had been previously discussed. “Given the dire nature of the threat we face, Organised Labour made additional demands to its initial demands as follows: 1. Revocation of Forest (Cessation of Forest Reserve) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023 (Ε.Ι. 234) and 2. All political parties to sign a pact on banning galamsey,” Ansah stated.
The first demand calls for the revocation of the controversial E.I. 234 amendment, which had raised concerns among environmentalists and activists regarding its potential impact on forest reserves and the encouragement of illegal mining activities. By pushing for the removal of this amendment, Organised Labour seeks to protect the country’s natural resources from further degradation.
The second demand is for all political parties to come together and sign a binding pact committing to the total elimination of galamsey. Organised Labour believes that a unified approach, free from political biases and influence, is essential for the success of this mission. The union argues that political will and accountability are crucial in ensuring that the illegal mining operations are stopped permanently.
According to Ansah, the Government’s team welcomed these proposals and acknowledged their importance. However, the Government requested additional time to engage other stakeholders in order to develop a comprehensive and effective roadmap for tackling the galamsey crisis. The Government’s team emphasized the need for thorough consultation with all relevant parties to ensure that the right strategies are implemented and that Organised Labour’s specific demands are adequately addressed.
Ansah noted that while the Government has sought more time to finalize its plans, the deadlines set by Organised Labour remain unchanged. The union is expecting a response by the end of September 2024 and has made it clear that further delay in addressing the issue will not be tolerated. Ansah warned that if the Government fails to meet the deadline, Organised Labour will proceed with its intended actions to ensure that its demands are met.
“We continue to count on the support of our members and well-meaning Ghanaians and urge all to remain resolute in our quest to ensure our self-preservation and a complete cessation of galamsey in our country,” Ansah stressed.
The threat of illegal mining has been a long-standing issue in Ghana, with significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. Galamsey operations have led to the destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands, affecting the livelihoods of countless Ghanaians and threatening the nation’s long-term sustainability. The call for an end to galamsey is not new, but the increasing urgency of the situation has prompted stronger actions from various stakeholders, including Organised Labour.
With the end of September 2024 approaching, all eyes are on the Government’s response to the demands put forward by Organised Labour. The union’s stance reflects the growing frustration among Ghanaians over the continued damage caused by illegal mining activities. Many believe that a lack of political will and weak enforcement of regulations have allowed galamsey operations to thrive, despite repeated promises from the Government to curb the menace.
Organised Labour’s decision to take a firm stand on this issue comes at a critical time, as the country faces mounting pressure to balance its development needs with environmental conservation. The union’s push for a complete ban on galamsey, along with its call for political parties to sign a pact, represents a bold step towards achieving a sustainable solution. The outcome of this latest development will likely determine the direction of the fight against illegal mining in Ghana.
As the September 2024 deadline looms, Ghanaians are hopeful that a lasting solution to the galamsey menace will be reached. With Organised Labour leading the charge, there is renewed optimism that the Government and political parties will rise to the occasion and take the necessary steps to protect the country’s natural resources for future generations.
The fight against galamsey has reached a pivotal moment, and the actions taken in the coming weeks will have far-reaching implications for the nation’s environment, economy, and future. Organised Labour’s resolute stance serves as a powerful reminder that the issue of illegal mining cannot be ignored, and that decisive action is needed now more than ever.
