The Government has expressed surprise over Organised Labour’s decision to embark on industrial action from October 10, 2024, despite recent productive engagements on the illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) fight.
The announcement comes after a meeting between President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and key stakeholders, including labour representatives, on October 3, 2024, at the Jubilee House.
According to a release by the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, the meeting discussed the longstanding issue of illegal mining and the government’s progress in tackling the menace.
The parties, she said, agreed on several key points, including the government’s pledge to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462), once Parliament reconvenes later this month.
“Government will collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining,” the release stated, adding that “water bodies and forest reserves remain red zones for mining, and all forms of mining, including reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and small-scale mining, remain banned in these areas.”
The government also committed to intensifying enforcement efforts and ensuring swift prosecution of illegal mining cases, with the Attorney-General set to work closely with the Chief Justice to expedite adjudication.
Additionally, there was a call for all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to the depoliticization of the galamsey fight.
The government has, therefore, expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with its planned industrial action despite this progress.
The government assured, however, that it will continue to engage Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to find solutions for this national menace.
The statement reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting illegal small-scale mining and calling on all citizens to join the effort, emphasizing that the problem is a national concern that requires collective action.
“Government remains fully committed to eradicating illegal mining and invites all stakeholders to continue supporting this vital cause,” the Minister appealed.