Organised Labour Reiterates Demand for Immediate End to Galamsey in Ghana
Organised Labour has renewed its call for an immediate and decisive end to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment and communities. This demand was firmly restated during a high-level meeting on September 17, 2024, with the ad-hoc inter-ministerial committee formed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address the ongoing crisis.
The inter-ministerial committee was established to engage stakeholders and develop strategies to combat the damaging effects of galamsey, which has caused severe environmental degradation, including polluted water bodies and destroyed farmlands across the nation.
Organised Labour has expressed growing frustration over the slow pace of government action and is urging for immediate, effective, and lasting solutions to the problem. The group has issued a stern warning that failure to meet its demands by the end of September 2024 will lead to actions that could negatively impact the government.
"Given the dire nature of the threat we face, Organised Labour has added to its initial demands the following: 1. Revocation of Forest (Cessation of Forest Reserve) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023 (E.I. 234), and 2. A signed pact by all political parties to ban galamsey,” a statement from the group read.
During the meeting, the government team reportedly agreed to these proposals but requested additional time to engage with other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the galamsey menace. The government pledged to respond to Organised Labour’s demands within a week, promising a detailed roadmap.
Despite this, Organised Labour insists that its original demands and timelines remain unchanged. "If a favourable response is not received by the end of September 2024, Organised Labour’s intended actions will be rolled out," the statement added, signaling the group’s readiness to escalate its response if necessary.
The continued pressure from Organised Labour underscores the growing sense of urgency surrounding the illegal mining issue, which has been a persistent challenge for successive governments. The group's stance reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current measures being taken to combat the crisis.
The illegal mining sector, driven by both local and foreign operators, has caused irreversible environmental damage and affected livelihoods, particularly in rural communities. As the country grapples with the consequences of this activity, the role of civil society, including Organised Labour, has become more critical in pushing for reforms and holding the government accountable.
The next steps in the battle against galamsey now lie in the hands of the government, with the end of September deadline looming large over any future negotiations.
