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Organised Labour has confirmed its intention to move forward with a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10, 2024, despite dissatisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s response to their demands.
The labour unions have been pressing the president to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, also known as galamsey, and to introduce long-term measures to combat the environmental damage caused by the practice.
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Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), reiterated on Monday, October 7, that Organised Labour is resolute in its decision to strike, stating, “Our strike remains unchanged.” Ansah explained that the government’s proposals did not sufficiently meet the union’s demands, leaving them no choice but to continue with their planned action unless significant progress is made by the government before the strike deadline.
However, internal divisions have surfaced within Organised Labour, with some groups, including the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), expressing concerns about how the strike decision was made. A group identifying as “Concerned Members of Organised Labour” criticized the leadership for failing to consult all members before declaring the strike. While these factions support the fight against illegal mining, they believe the strike announcement was poorly communicated and are calling for further dialogue with the government before any action is taken.
Dr. Solomon Fokuo, a member of TUTAG, voiced these concerns, emphasizing that if the leadership had been as committed to addressing members’ welfare as they are to fighting galamsey, the situation could have been handled more effectively. He urged leadership to focus on constructive dialogue and finding solutions to both galamsey and their members’ needs.
The looming strike highlights the growing frustration with illegal mining’s impact on Ghana’s environment but also exposes fractures within the labour movement about how best to address the issue.
