The government of Ghana has expressed disappointment in response to Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with a nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, despite recent meetings where both parties agreed to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
This announcement has sparked concern, as many believed that the government’s commitment to addressing illegal mining would be enough to prevent the strike.
Organised Labour has been adamant in their push for the president to declare a state of emergency over the growing galamsey problem, emphasizing the need for immediate and long-term solutions. Their stance comes as illegal mining continues to threaten the environment and livelihoods of many communities across the country.
In a statement released on Monday, October 7, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar expressed shock over Organised Labour’s decision to move forward with the strike. She emphasized that the government had already demonstrated its commitment to fighting illegal mining and was actively working to implement the agreed-upon solutions. The statement highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives, which include enforcing stricter regulations, increasing the number of task forces to monitor illegal mining activities, and revising environmental protection laws.
According to the government, one of its key commitments is the support for calls urging all presidential candidates to sign a pact against illegal mining. This move, they argue, would create a unified front in the fight against galamsey, ensuring that future governments remain dedicated to addressing the issue. The government believes this is a crucial step in achieving long-term solutions that would not only tackle the environmental damage but also protect local communities from the harmful effects of galamsey.
In addition to these measures, the government has also made a bold move to revoke the Environmental Protection Regulations 2023 (L.I 2462), a law that has faced criticism from several stakeholders.
The regulation, seen by some as too lenient on illegal mining, is set to be reconsidered when Parliament reconvenes. This decision to repeal L.I 2462 demonstrates the government’s willingness to make legislative changes in response to concerns raised by civil society and Organised Labour. By revoking the law, the government hopes to reinforce its commitment to safeguarding the environment and implementing more robust measures to tackle illegal mining.
Despite these efforts, Organised Labour remains resolute in their demand for immediate and more decisive action. They argue that previous promises made by the government to address the illegal mining issue have not yielded significant results. For them, a state of emergency would signal a stronger commitment from the government and allow for the deployment of additional resources to effectively combat galamsey.
The government, on the other hand, insists that it has already demonstrated its seriousness in addressing the problem. Officials have pointed to the increased arrests of illegal miners, the destruction of mining equipment, and efforts to reclaim damaged land as evidence of their progress in tackling the issue.
However, Organised Labour remains unconvinced, arguing that these actions, while necessary, have not been enough to stop the illegal activities that continue to threaten the country’s rivers and forests.
This clash between the government and Organised Labour highlights the challenges in addressing the illegal mining problem, which has plagued Ghana for years.
While both parties agree on the importance of combating galamsey, their differing approaches and timelines have led to this current standoff.
For the government, the revocation of the Environmental Protection Regulations and the call for a unified political stance against illegal mining are seen as essential steps towards long-term success.
They believe that these efforts, combined with the ongoing work of law enforcement agencies, will help bring the galamsey issue under control.
Organised Labour, however, believes that without more immediate and drastic action, the country will continue to suffer the consequences of illegal mining. Their call for a state of emergency is aimed at forcing the government to take quicker and more impactful measures, rather than waiting for the results of long-term initiatives.
As the October 10 strike approaches, it remains to be seen whether any further negotiations between the government and Organised Labour will take place. For now, both sides appear firm in their positions, with Organised Labour pushing for faster action and the government urging patience as it works to implement its strategies.
The outcome of this standoff will likely have a significant impact on the future of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, as well as the broader relationship between the government and Organised Labour.
