Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has expressed disappointment with the Ghana Medical Association’s (GMA) decision to distance itself from Organised Labour’s planned strike action. The strike, set to begin on October 10, 2024, aims to protest the government’s failure to effectively tackle the illegal mining crisis, also known as galamsey.
The GMA directed its members to continue providing full services without interruptions, despite Organised Labour’s announcement. This decision has sparked concern among stakeholders, including Dr. Ashigbey, who stresses the importance of collective action in addressing the galamsey menace.
Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the severe health implications of galamsey, including water contamination and respiratory issues, which have dire consequences for the population. He urged the GMA to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that galamsey is a medical issue that requires a unified response.
The GMA President, Dr. Frank Serebour, clarified that the association has not declared a roadmap for industrial action and expects members to continue providing full services without interruptions. However, Dr. Ashigbey believes the GMA’s decision is surprising, given its previous stance on the issue.
Dr. Ashigbey noted that the GMA was one of the first institutions to advocate for using legal and democratic tools to address the galamsey problem. He finds it difficult to understand why the GMA would dissociate itself from the strike action.
The strike aims to pressure the government to take decisive action against galamsey, which has devastated the environment and compromised public health. Dr. Ashigbey emphasized the critical health risks posed by galamsey and called on the GMA to align with other labour unions in the fight against it.
The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has been vocal about the need for collective action to address the crisis. Dr. Ashigbey’s appeal to the GMA is part of a broader effort to mobilize stakeholders against galamsey.
Dr. Ashigbey warned that posterity will judge individuals and organizations based on their actions during this critical period. He emphasized that the internet does not forgive or forget, implying that the GMA’s decision will have lasting consequences.
The GMA’s decision has sparked controversy, with some accusing Dr. Serebour of unilaterally issuing the statement without consulting members. This has led to calls for his removal as GMA President.
As the strike action approaches, the outcome of Dr. Ashigbey’s appeal remains uncertain. However, his words underscore the urgency of addressing the galamsey crisis and the need for collective action to safeguard public health.
