Organised Labour has suspended its planned nationwide strike, which was set to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024, following new commitments from the government to address illegal mining (galamsey).
Union leaders reached the decision during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, October 9, after the government provided assurances that it is ramping up efforts to tackle the galamsey crisis. Among the measures highlighted was the intensification of the “Operational Halt” initiative, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, to combat illegal mining in forest reserves.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), addressed the media following the meeting, explaining that organised labour had opted to suspend the strike to give the government time to implement its renewed strategies against illegal mining.
“We acknowledge the steps the government is taking, particularly with the increased focus on the Operational Halt initiative. This is why we’ve decided to temporarily suspend the strike and observe the actions moving forward,” Ansah said.
The indefinite strike had been planned as a means of pressuring the government to declare a state of emergency and to take concrete measures to halt the environmental devastation caused by the galaxies.
Organised Labour had emphasised that illegal mining poses a threat to the country’s natural resources and the well-being of its citizens.
The planned action had gained broad support from unions such as the Public Utility Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union.
However, not all unions were on board. Both the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) had opted to continue providing healthcare services during the strike, although they voiced their support for the fight against galamsey.
The suspension of the strike came as a surprise to many, as organised labour had appeared firm in its resolve to proceed with the action to demand stronger government intervention against galamsey.
Despite the decision to halt the strike, organised labour stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely. Union leaders assured members that if the government fails to follow through on its commitments, further action will be considered.
They reaffirmed their dedication to fighting illegal mining and protecting the rights and interests of workers.
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