A group of concerned members of Organized Labour has publicly denounced the leadership’s decision to embark on a nationwide strike and demonstration aimed at compelling the government to declare a state of emergency over the menace of illegal mining (galamsey).
In a press statement released on Monday, the group expressed deep concern and disappointment over the leadership’s actions, citing political motivations and a lack of consultation with the broader membership.
The concerned members, comprising Dr. Sampson Anomah, Dr. Obeng Sarpong, and Dr. Solomon Forkuo, emphasized that while they acknowledge the severity of the galamsey issue, they believe the current approach is misguided and does not represent the views of the majority of Organized Labour members.
“Galamsey is a national issue that requires a united and non-partisan front to resolve, not a political tool to undermine the government or rally support for any political party,” the statement read.
The group pointed out that the leadership’s decision to strike and demonstrate merely two months before crucial presidential and parliamentary elections could lead to chaos, unrest, and a further deterioration of the already tense political climate.
They cited the recent Democracy Hub protests, which received widespread condemnation for disorder and misconduct, as an example of the potential dangers of such actions.
The concerned members also highlighted the hypocrisy of the leadership, many of whom are surrogates of the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which they claim allowed galamsey to thrive during their tenure in government from 2009 to 2016.
“We urge our leadership to reconsider their current path and recognize that galamsey is a problem that requires national unity, not political division,” the statement indicated.
The group called on the leadership to: Suspend plans for a nationwide strike or demonstration and engage in genuine dialogue with the government, respect the views of the broader membership through consultative meetings, desist from politicizing national issues, and uphold transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and economy.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
