The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on its members to maintain full services despite the nationwide industrial action announced by Organised Labour, which is set to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This strike is part of Organised Labour’s campaign to protest the government’s handling of the illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour clarified that the association has not yet declared a strike or a roadmap for industrial action. He urged all members of the GMA to continue providing uninterrupted medical services. “The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has not declared a roadmap for industrial action. Therefore, all members are expected to continue providing full services without interruptions,” the statement read.
Despite the GMA’s decision to continue operations, Dr. Serebour expressed the association’s solidarity with Organised Labour in its fight against illegal mining, emphasizing that while the GMA is not joining the strike for now, it supports the broader cause. He noted that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the GMA would provide further updates if any changes are made to this stance. “The GMA, however, is in solidarity with Organised Labour in this fight against galamsey. The National Executive Council (NEC) will provide further information when necessary,” Dr. Serebour said.
Organised Labour’s decision to go ahead with the nationwide strike follows weeks of tension and negotiations over the government’s efforts to address the galamsey crisis, which has severely impacted Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies and forest reserves. The strike aims to pressure the government to take more decisive action to combat illegal mining, which has been responsible for widespread deforestation and the pollution of rivers and lakes across the country.
The government, on its part, has expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with the strike, given that negotiations were still ongoing. In response, the government reiterated its commitment to addressing the galamsey issue and announced several key measures that will be implemented soon. Among these measures is the plan to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462), when Parliament reconvenes later this month. The repeal of this legislative instrument is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the government’s enforcement against illegal mining, particularly in protected areas like forest reserves and water bodies, which are designated as “Red Zones” where mining is prohibited.
A statement issued by Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar on Monday, October 7, outlined the government’s strategy for tackling illegal mining. The statement emphasized that law enforcement agencies, including the police and the military, have been fully empowered to carry out operations aimed at cracking down on illegal mining activities in these protected areas. The government has also deployed river guards and navy personnel to patrol key water bodies and prevent further mining-related pollution.
In addition to strengthening law enforcement, the government is working closely with the judiciary to ensure the swift adjudication of cases related to illegal mining. The Attorney-General has been tasked with collaborating with the Chief Justice to expedite the processing of these cases, with the aim of deterring would-be offenders and holding those responsible for environmental destruction accountable. This legal approach underscores the government’s determination to bring an end to illegal mining operations that continue to threaten the country’s natural resources.
Another key proposal being considered by the government is the introduction of a pact that would require all presidential candidates to commit to the fight against galamsey. This pact, which would be signed before the next general election, aims to depoliticize the issue of illegal mining and ensure that whichever party is in power, there will be a unified national approach to combating the menace. The government believes that by securing the commitment of all presidential candidates, it can foster a more coordinated and sustained effort to tackle illegal mining, free from the influence of political considerations.
As the October 10 strike date approaches, public attention remains focused on how the government and Organised Labour will navigate this critical issue. While Organised Labour continues to advocate for stronger measures against illegal mining, the GMA’s decision to remain on the sidelines of the strike reflects the delicate balance that many professional groups are trying to maintain. On the one hand, there is strong support for the fight against galamsey, which is seen as a national emergency due to its environmental and economic impact. On the other hand, the need to continue providing essential services, particularly in the healthcare sector, is a priority that cannot be overlooked.
For now, the GMA is urging its members to stay the course and continue their vital work, while also keeping an eye on developments related to the nationwide strike and the government’s response to the illegal mining crisis. With the government set to announce further interventions in the coming days, including the deployment of additional resources to combat illegal mining, the hope is that a more comprehensive and effective strategy will emerge to address the problem and bring about lasting solutions.
As the situation unfolds, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the government’s measures to fight illegal mining, as well as its response to the demands of Organised Labour, will impact both the environment and the broader economy.
