Organised Labour, led by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has issued a strong ultimatum to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if urgent action is not taken to combat the growing illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.
In a statement from Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, Organised Labour demanded the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in all regions affected by illegal mining. The group also called for a complete ban on mining activities in forest reserves, the creation of special courts to expedite the prosecution of galamsey operators, and the deployment of the military to dismantle and destroy mining equipment in affected areas.
Ansah emphasized that the government’s failure to take swift and decisive action has led to widespread environmental destruction, including the devastation of rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves. The statement warned that if no concrete steps are taken by the end of September, Organised Labour would be left with no choice but to initiate nationwide protests and a strike to compel the government to act.
This move by Organised Labour increases the mounting pressure on the government to address the illegal mining crisis, which continues to devastate Ghana’s natural resources and local communities.
Source:Omanghana.com