Organised Labour has confirmed that its nationwide strike, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, will proceed as planned, following dissatisfaction with the government’s response to their demands.
The decision came after a crucial meeting on Monday, October 7, where the union leaders reiterated their position.
Joshua Ansah, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), speaking at a press briefing, declared, “We have concluded as follows: our strike remains unchanged… We are of the view that what the government has proposed does not adequately address our demands, and therefore our notice of strike remains unchanged.”
The unions have been calling for the government to take more decisive action against illegal small-scale mining, or “galamsey,” including the declaration of a state of emergency, stronger regulatory enforcement to protect water bodies, and the revocation of L.I. 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.
Organised Labour argues that the current laws are insufficient to safeguard the environment.
Despite a recent appeal from President Akufo-Addo, who urged the unions to reconsider their stance, the leadership remains firm.
The President had reassured Organised Labour of his administration’s commitment to tackling the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, but the unions believe the government’s response lacks concrete action. Mr. Ansah stated, “While the President has shown some commitment, we need more than just promises… We need action, and until we see concrete steps being taken, our position remains unchanged.”
The strike is set to go ahead unless the government addresses their concerns before the October 10 deadline.
