Deputy Minister for Education, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, has urged Organised Labour to reconsider its planned nationwide strike over galamsey concerns, slated for October 10. Speaking at the Ghana Teacher Prize in Kumasi on October 3, Prof. Nyarko emphasized that industrial action isn’t the best approach and instead advocated for more dialogue among stakeholders.
Galamsey, illegal mining, has devastating environmental and social impacts, prompting Organised Labour to declare a strike in response to the government’s inaction. However, Prof. Nyarko stressed the need for a collaborative solution, citing the government’s existing interventions to address the issue.
Prof. Nyarko, also the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, highlighted the importance of collective efforts. “It demands collective efforts not only from the government but from other civil society and the media should be involved as well, chiefs, traditional leaders, the clergy, and everybody must come on board for us to deal with it.”
The Deputy Minister emphasized that strikes and demonstrations aren’t the solutions to addressing issues. Instead, he pleaded with Organised Labour to engage authorities for a meaningful and productive solution.
Industrial action, Prof. Nyarko warned, will only lead to reduced productivity, affecting revenue. This echoes concerns about the potential disruptions to public and private sectors, possible protests at mining companies or government buildings, and potential clashes.
The strike’s impact on the education sector is also a concern. With the Ghana Teacher Prize aiming to promote excellence in teaching, the strike could hinder efforts to improve education.
Prof. Nyarko’s appeal for dialogue is timely, considering the multiple unions and civil society groups threatening to strike and protest across Ghana over mining environmental issues.
The government’s response to galamsey has been criticized, with calls for a state of emergency in mining areas. However, Prof. Nyarko’s emphasis on collective efforts and dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for a collaborative solution.
As the strike’s scheduled date approaches, all eyes are on Organised Labour’s response to Prof. Nyarko’s appeal.
