Professor Ransford Gyampo, President of the University of Ghana’s chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has strongly criticized the Presidency’s invitation to Organised Labour to discuss the planned strike against galamsey, labeling it as “needless and bogus.” This strike, set to begin on October 10, is in response to the government’s failure to address the demands of Organised Labour, including a complete ban on mining and declaring a state of emergency to tackle galamsey.
Gyampo expressed his frustration with the government’s stating that they act in bad faith and lack courtesy when dealing with Organised Labour. He emphasized that the government’s predictable behavior is unproductive and that they fail to address the real issues.
The UTAG President pointed out that the government’s tendency is to engage in pointless discussions with leaders rather than tackling the problems at hand. He noted that Organised Labour’s decision to give a week’s notice before the strike allows other unions to prepare and follow due process.
Gyampo justified the strike notice, explaining that Organised Labour comprises multiple unions that need time to be informed and prepared. He emphasized that various processes must be taken before a strike, and the one-week window serves this purpose.
Organised Labour’s demands include a ban on all forms of mining and declaring a state of emergency to tackle galamsey. The government’s failure to meet these demands led to the announcement of an indefinite strike on October 1.
Gyampo’s criticism of the government’s approach echoes concerns raised by other stakeholders, including the KNUST UTAG chapter, which has challenged the government on weak enforcement of mining regulations.
The planned strike has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the economy and the environment. Galamsey has severe consequences for Ghana’s natural resources and communities.
As the strike deadline approaches, tensions between Organised Labour and the government are likely to escalate. The outcome of this standoff will have significant implications for Ghana’s efforts to address galamsey.
In the midst of this crisis, Gyampo’s words serve as a stark reminder of the need for effective action and genuine engagement between the government and stakeholders.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of events, as Organised Labour and the government navigate this complex issue.
