Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns over the effectiveness of Organized Labour’s planned strike aimed at tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In a post on X, Mr. Ahiagbah stated, “Organized Labor has stated its position on the fight to defeat galamsey loud and clear, though belated. Carrying out the strike may only detract from the force and genuineness of its case, primarily when the labor front is split on the consensus to strike.”
The planned strike is intended to compel the government into taking firmer action against galamsey, which has caused widespread environmental degradation in Ghana. However, Mr. Ahiagbah’s concerns suggest that the split within labour unions could weaken the impact of the strike.
He added, “Given the disunity, if the strike is operationalized, should those who defied the strike be paid their salaries as those who observed it?”
Mr. Ahiagbah’s comments come at a critical moment as labour unions push for greater government intervention to stop the illegal mining practices that continue to ravage the environment. However, the apparent lack of unity within the labour front could reduce the effectiveness of the strike, leaving the outcome uncertain.
