Why Gov’t is “Surprised” by Organised Labour’s Decision to Proceed with Strike

The government of Ghana has expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to carry out its planned industrial action from Thursday.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Information on October 7 said, “Government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed on an industrial action from 10th October 2024.”

It was revealed that the group agreed to suspend their planned strike as a consensus was formed around Labour’s demands during a meeting on October 3 with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to the statement, they agreed to collaborate with other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.

The President 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.

All forms of mining in water bodies, as well as reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and small-scale mining in Forest Reserves, will be banned.

It said they also 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.

Despite their decision, the Ministry noted that the government will continue to engage Organised Labour.

At a presser on October 7, the organized Labour announced plans to proceed with the strike action.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini