We Support Galamsey Fight But Aren’t Joining Strike- GMA

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has no plan to join the Trades Union Congress’ declared industrial action, which begins in two days.

They made this known in a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

It, however, has declared its support for the fight against illegal mining.

In their statement, the Association directed members to continue service delivery to the public without any interruption.

“The Ghana Medical Association has not declared a roadmap for an industrial action. Therefore all members are expected to continue providing full services without interruption.”

It furthered, “The GMA, however, is in solidarity with the organized labour in the fight against galamsey.”

Organised labour is set for an industrial action on October 10, 2024. This is geared at compelling the government 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.

Last week, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo met with the leadership of the group.

At the meeting, the President is said to have committed to taking steps when Parliament reconvenes to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462), prohibit illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves, and designate these areas as Red Zones for mining.

Furthermore, they reportedly agreed that the Attorney-General would collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases while all Presidential Candidates sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining to depoliticise it.

Subsequent to all the agreements reached, the group agreed to back down on the intended strike, according to the government.

However, at a presser on October 7, the group announced plans to proceed with it.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini