Organised labour seems not as unified as its name might imply. Several departments of the organization have separated themselves from a recent nationwide strike against illegal mining, casting questions on the potency of their coordinated approach on this urgent problem. Eventually, the intended industrial action was cancelled.
Organised Labour declared a national industrial strike on October 4, 2024 in response to the government’s inadequate control of illicit mining operations. This statement represented their mounting annoyance with the negative effects of illicit mining on public health and the environment as well as with the government’s poor reaction.
Important demonstrations against illicit mining occurred in September and October 2024 in preparation for this disclosure. In September, the Coalition for the Protection of the Environment planned protests to draw attention to the negative consequences of illicit mining on local populations and thereby encourage the government to implement tougher laws.
Then a young-led #StopGalamsey demonstration in Accra demanded government responsibility and action against illicit mining.
Aimed at campaigning for the release of those arrested, this protest grew more intense and resulted in the detention of 53 participants, who were released on bond earlier this week under hashtags #StopGalamsey and #FreeTheCitizens.
These incidents highlighted the annoyance with the government’s slow response on illegal mining and prepared the ground for the approaching Organised Labour strike.
Still, numerous Organised Labour members are already openly reversing their support for the strike.
Opposing the proposed action have been the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Medical Association (GMA), and Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
Emphasizing the urgent need to preserve vital health services among continuous public health concerns, the GHS has advised its staff against joining in the strike.
Similarly, the GMA has expressed worries on the possible effects of the strike on the provision of healthcare and advises experts to give patient care top priority and keep their obligations. Although the GRNMA supports the fight against illegal mining, it has cautioned its members to concentrate on their obligations since disturbances in nurse and midwifery services could compromise healthcare facilities.
Emphasizing the need of stability in vital sectors and addressing the more general problems regarding illegal mining, these organizations collectively urge for ongoing service delivery and constructive discourse rather than disruption.
Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Managing Director of Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC) Distillery, issued a strong caution to personnel against participating in the intended strike action by Organised Labour earlier yesterday. Declaring that the fight against galamsey should stay a national concern, he warned dismissal for any employee who disobeyed his order. “I hope GIHOC members are paying attention. Should you decide not to show up for work and if you identify as GIHOC, I will terminate your employment. This is a national issue and ought to be handled as such, not only a GIHOC matter,” he said.
Comparably, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has sent a strong warning to its personnel, declaring that any staff member involved in the strike runs imminent danger of being sacked. Declaring, “GMET is part of the essential services in this country,” Board Chairman Isaac Amoo underlined the vital importance of GMET for the nation.
GMET does not approve of any of its employees participating in the national strike, on behalf of the board and leadership of this agency. Should any employee disobey this directive and participate in the strike, they would be considered to have resigned their position. Should you miss reporting to work tomorrow, do not come back here; your employment will be terminated.”
Citing actions the government has done to meet some of their demands, Organised Labour has finally declared the planned statewide strike to be suspended following their lack of unity.
Galamsey is becoming a serious threat and attracting international attention, thus demands on the government to act forcefully to solve this urgent hazard.
