Forest mining: Organised Labour to strike Oct 10
Organised Labour has announced plans for a nationwide strike, set to begin on October 10, 2024, in response to the government’s failure to meet its ultimatum to stop all forms of mining in forest reserves across the country.
The decision follows an emergency meeting during which the group expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction on the issue.
Organised Labour had previously given the government a deadline of the end of September to take firm measures against illegal mining activities, which the unions argue are devastating both the environment and the livelihoods of countless Ghanaians.
Despite the warning, the group says the government has not taken the necessary steps to address their concerns.
In the days leading up to the announcement, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) presented three key demands to the government. These included the immediate removal of all mining equipment from forest reserves and areas surrounding water bodies.
Additionally, the unions called for the deployment of police and military personnel with strict orders to seize or destroy all mining and earth-moving equipment found near rivers and in forest reserves.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, emphasized that the unions remain steadfast in their decision, stating that they will withdraw their services nationwide starting October 10 if their demands are not met. Ansah reiterated that the strike is necessary to protect Ghana’s natural resources and the welfare of its people, highlighting the severe environmental impact of illegal mining on the country’s forests and water sources. The upcoming strike is expected to have widespread effects across various sectors as Organised Labour prepares to stand firm in its fight against illegal mining and demand decisive action from the government.
