Organized Labour has suspended its planned nationwide strike, initially set for October 10, 2024, in protest of the government’s handling of illegal mining (galamsey).
This decision was announced by the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, following a meeting with government officials on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. During the meeting, the government provided assurances of enhanced measures to address the galamsey crisis, including an escalation of military operations and legal actions.
According to Mr. Ansah, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Lands Minister to submit a request to Parliament for the revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which is seen as crucial in strengthening efforts to combat illegal mining. Additionally, soldiers will be deployed to support enforcement, and 14 courts will be established to handle illegal mining cases.
Organized Labour had originally planned the strike to push the government towards more aggressive action on illegal mining, including declaring a state of emergency. However, the union emphasized that while the strike is suspended, it expects full implementation of these measures and will respond if the government fails to deliver.
Several unions, including the Public Utility Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union, had thrown their support behind the planned strike. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA), however, opted to stay on the sidelines, continuing its solidarity in the fight against illegal mining without joining the industrial action.
Organized Labour has vowed to closely monitor the government’s actions, reserving the right to resume the strike if necessary.
