Galamsey: NPP accuses organised labour of aligning with NDC’s 2024 election strategy

The national youth wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused organised labour of aligning its recent activities with the political strategy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 elections.

In a statement dated 9 October 2024, the NPP claims that recent calls by organised labour, including the threat of a national strike, are politically motivated and part of a broader scheme to influence the upcoming elections.

According to the NPP, a leaked confidential document titled “Winning 2024 and Beyond,” prepared by the NDC in 2021, outlines the party’s electoral strategy for the 2024 general elections.

The document was reportedly brought to the attention of the NPP in December 2022, and it is now being linked to the actions of organised labour.

The statement signed by the NPP’s national youth organiser, Salam Mustapha, emphasised that organised labour’s recent actions are not just about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), but also about furthering a politically motivated agenda.

“It is becoming increasingly evident that organised labour is following this politically motivated plan,” the statement noted.

The statement also  highlighted the timing of organised labour’s recent vocal opposition to galamsey, questioning why they remained silent on the issue for years only to speak out just two months before the elections.

He expressed skepticism over their sudden concern: “This newfound activism comes on issues they have largely been silent on for years. It is highly questionable that they have only found their voice with two months to go before the election.”

The NPP also pointed out the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, which have included stiffer legislation, prosecution of offenders, and military operations to seize equipment and destroy property used for illegal mining.

“The government has made considerable efforts over the last seven years to tackle illegal mining, taking decisive actions to safeguard our environment and the future of our natural resources,” the statement read, adding that Organised Labour was silent throughout these efforts.

Mustapha also accused Organised Labour of ignoring the significant concessions made by the government in recent discussions with President Nana Akufo-Addo, which were aimed at addressing their concerns. Despite these efforts, the NPP claims that Organised Labour’s actions are politically charged and driven by the NDC’s strategy.

“It is evident that organised labour’s current actions are politically charged, aimed at destabilising the government, and fuelled by the NDC’s strategy,” the statement added.

The NPP has, therefore, called on all well-meaning Ghanaians and union members to reject any attempts to politicise the fight against galamsey.

“This is a national issue that transcends party politics. The future of our environment, livelihoods, and communities depends on us coming together to fight illegal mining as one united front,” the statement said.

The party is urging stakeholders to prioritise Ghana’s interests and warned against using the issue of galamsey as a political tool.

“Let us put the interests of Ghana first and stop using galamsey as a political tool,” the statement added.

Read the full statement below:

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