Galamsey fight: Labour suspends strike as Govt scrambles, introduces new measures

Organised labour has called off its planned nationwide strike, originally set for October 10, in response to the government’s renewed efforts to address the illegal mining crisis, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” The decision was announced by Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), following a critical meeting between labour leaders and top government officials, including President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The suspension of the strike comes after the government presented a series of strengthened measures aimed at combating galamsey, which has devastated Ghana’s environment, particularly its rivers and forests. According to Mr. Ansah, the new commitments offer enough assurance that the government is taking decisive steps to tackle the crisis.

Government’s Reinforced Commitments

At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Ansah explained that President Akufo-Addo has instructed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to request the revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 in Parliament. The L.I. has been criticized for being too lenient on illegal miners and has been a key target of both labour and environmental groups pushing for stricter regulations on galamsey.

In addition to this legislative move, the government outlined other critical measures to intensify the fight against illegal mining. Among them is the increased deployment of military personnel under the ongoing “Operation Halt” to clamp down on illegal mining operations. The government will also station naval boats on major polluted rivers to prevent any further mining activity in these areas.

Furthermore, 14 specialized courts have been established to prosecute galamsey offenders, with plans to expand this number in the coming months. These courts are designed to expedite the legal process and ensure swift justice for those involved in illegal mining activities.

“These actions signal the government’s commitment to tackling the galamsey crisis,” Mr. Ansah noted. “However, we are only suspending the strike, not canceling it. We will closely monitor the situation and take action if the government fails to fulfill its promises.”

President Akufo-Addo’s Pledge

Following the meeting, President Akufo-Addo issued a statement reaffirming the government’s determination to end illegal mining, while balancing Ghana’s economic needs. He emphasized the necessity of collaboration among government, organised labour, and other stakeholders to create a sustainable solution to the galamsey problem.

“The fight against illegal mining is a national priority that requires the collective effort of all citizens and political leaders,” the President stated. He stressed the importance of preserving the country’s natural resources for future generations and reiterated the government’s resolve to end illegal mining.

To further ensure political accountability, the government has called on organised labour to encourage presidential candidates and political parties to sign a pact committing to the fight against galamsey as part of their election campaigns. This initiative seeks to unify all political actors in the fight against illegal mining, regardless of party lines.

Labour’s Watchful Eye

While the strike has been suspended, organised labour remains vigilant. The TUC leadership has urged members to stay alert, reminding them that the fight against galamsey is far from over. “If we sense that the government is not honoring its commitments, we will not hesitate to resume industrial action,” Mr. Ansah warned, underscoring that labour unions will continue to hold the government accountable.

In response, the Presidency reiterated its commitment to swiftly implementing the promised measures, including the suspension of L.I. 2462, the deployment of additional security personnel, and the expansion of specialized courts. Government officials assured the public that these actions would be expedited in the coming weeks to demonstrate their seriousness in tackling the galamsey crisis.