Galamsey Fight: Govt moves to avert strike
As the planned strike by Organised Labour dawns , government has issued a fresh statement reiterating its unwavering commitment to combating illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The government stressed that, despite the looming industrial action, it is intensifying efforts to rid the country’s river bodies and forest reserves of the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities.
The statement, issued by the Ministry of Information, highlighted that the government has concluded fresh operational measures under the ongoing military-led “Operation Halt” initiative, which aims to eliminate illegal mining activities along the country’s water bodies.
This latest phase will be carried out in conjunction with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, underscoring the government’s intention to adopt a more collaborative approach. It was also reasserted that river bodies and forest reserves remain “red zones,” where all mining activities are strictly prohibited.
Despite the intensification of efforts to address the galamsey crisis, the government expressed disappointment over the decision by Organised Labour to go ahead with its planned strike action. The Ministry noted that the government was surprised by this decision, especially considering the ongoing dialogue and collaborative measures that have been put in place to address the illegal mining problem. According to the statement, the government has consistently engaged stakeholders, including labour unions, to combat the menace and protect the country’s natural resources.
In its earlier statement, the government emphasized its commitment to work hand in hand with Organised Labour and other groups, in the belief that a united front is the most effective way to address the galamsey crisis. The Ministry had expressed hope that Organised Labour would acknowledge the progress made so far and allow time for the agreed measures to take effect before resorting to industrial action. The statement underscored that the government’s efforts to fight galamsey are multi-faceted, involving not just military operations but also community engagement, stakeholder collaborations, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.
The Ministry of Information further highlighted that the fight against illegal mining is crucial for both environmental sustainability and economic stability. Galamsey, which has devastated large areas of Ghana’s landscape, particularly water bodies, has had a significant impact on livelihoods, food security, and public health. The government argued that the success of the fight against illegal mining would depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders, including Organised Labour, whose support could accelerate efforts to curb the illegal activities and restore the country’s natural resources.
Addressing the potential economic fallout from the strike, the government emphasized that while labour grievances are important, the timing and potential consequences of the strike could undermine ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy and restore environmental integrity. The statement stressed that a coordinated effort between the government and Organised Labour would not only help preserve Ghana’s natural heritage but also ensure a healthier economic environment for future generations.
The government’s renewed appeal to Organised Labour was a call for continued dialogue, urging the union leaders to reconsider their strike plans in light of the shared goals in the galamsey fight. It expressed hope that, through cooperation, Ghana could make strides toward eradicating the destructive practices of illegal mining and work toward building a more sustainable and environmentally conscious nation.
As the strike date draws nearer, all eyes are on Organised Labour’s next move, and whether it will heed the government’s appeal for unity and collaboration in tackling one of the most critical environmental challenges facing the nation today.
