- Ansah-Asare tells Labour to disregard President's appeal
- President's sincerity on galamsey questioned
- Labour demands urgent action against galamsey
- Nationwide strike looms on October 10
Kwaku Ansah-Asare, a former director of the Ghana School of Law, has urged Organised Labour to disregard President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s appeal to call off its planned nationwide strike against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. This strike, scheduled for October 10, is a response to the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment.
President Akufo-Addo had appealed to Organised Labour to reconsider its strike during a closed-door meeting on October 3, emphasizing his commitment to addressing concerns about galamsey. However, Ansah-Asare criticized the president for lacking sincerity in tackling the issue.
Ansah-Asare pointed out that Akufo-Addo had promised to put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey but failed to deliver. “He said he would put his presidency on the line and pay for it if he failed,” Ansah-Asare noted. “We asked him to apologize, but he hasn’t.” With only eight weeks left in his tenure, Ansah-Asare questioned the president’s motives.
Organised Labour has been vocal about its demands, including an immediate declaration of a state of emergency to halt all forms of mining in forest reserves and around water bodies. They also want the evacuation of mining equipment, deployment of police and military to remove equipment, and revocation of licenses granted for prospecting and mining in protected areas.
Ansah-Asare’s stance is clear: Organised Labour should proceed with its planned strike. “He hasn’t been sincere,” Ansah-Asare said of the president. “You won’t keep any promises within the next eight weeks.” With the strike looming, tensions between Organised Labour and the government remain high.
The galamsey menace has reached crisis proportions, destroying forests, water bodies, and ecosystems, and posing severe health risks to communities. Organised Labour’s secretary-general, Joshua Ansah, emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning of “series of demonstrations and a nationwide strike” if the government fails to act ¹.
As the October 10 strike date approaches, all eyes are on Organised Labour’s next move. Will they heed Ansah-Asare’s call to proceed with the strike, or will President Akufo-Addo’s appeal sway them?
The strike’s impact on Ghana’s economy and environment hangs in the balance. With galamsey’s devastating effects evident, the need for decisive action is clear.
Ansah-Asare’s criticism of President Akufo-Addo’s handling of galamsey echoes widespread frustration. The president’s remaining weeks in office will be crucial in addressing this crisis.
