Organised Labour has declared a nationwide strike, set to begin on October 10, 2024, in response to the government’s inaction on the devastating issue of galamsey (illegal mining).
This decision follows an emergency meeting on October 1, 2024, during which leaders raised their frustration with the government's failure to act on their requests to stop the destructive practice.
“The government’s failure to address the galamsey crisis has left us no choice but to take drastic action,” said a spokesperson for Organised Labour. “We call on all workers across the country to stay home starting from Thursday, October 10, 2024, until our demands are met.”
The strike is expected to disrupt services across various sectors, including health, education, transportation, and public administration, potentially impacting Ghana’s economy and daily life.
Galamsey has become a critical issue in Ghana, with widespread environmental degradation, particularly the pollution of water bodies and destruction of farmlands. Despite government pledges, many believe not enough has been done to combat the practice.
Organised Labour’s decision to call for a nationwide strike highlights the urgency of the issue and the rising pressure on the government to act decisively against galamsey.
As the October 10 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of Organised Labour and whether efforts will be made to prevent a national shutdown of services.