Our Strike Notice Unchanged- Organised Labour

Organised labour will proceed with their strike action against illegal mining as planned despite pleas from the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

At a press conference, the Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Mr Joshua Ansah noted that the proposal that was tabled during their meeting with the President did not align with their demands.

“Our strike remains unchanged. The strike notice remains unchanged. We are of the view that what the government has proposed to do does not adequately address our demands and therefore our notice to strike remains unchanged.”

Organised Labour last week announced a strike action on October 10 after the government defied their ultimatum to declare a state of emergency; revoke LI 2462 that mandates the mining in forest reserves; remove seized machinery from forest reserves; establish special courts to try those engaging in illegal mining; give the police and the military a free hand to operate; and compel political parties vying in the general election to make a commitment to the fight against galamsey.

Following this, the government called them to a meeting on October 3 to try and talk them out of the decision.

The Ministry in a press statement issued after the meeting said the government was poised at rather using dialogue in the quest to realise sustainable mining activities by miners in an environmentally friendly manner.

“Government is committed to engaging all stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable mining and environmental protection.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini