The National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has accused Organised Labour of aligning its recent actions with the election strategy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 elections.
According to Mustapha, a leaked NDC document titled ‘Winning 2024 And Beyond’, which surfaced in December 2022, outlines the opposition party’s strategy to use key national issues, including illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), to destabilize the government.
In a statement, Mustapha pointed out that Organised Labour’s newfound activism, including threats of a national strike and vocal criticism of the government’s efforts against galamsey, has come suspiciously close to the elections.
He argued that Organised Labour remained silent on these issues for years and is now acting in concert with the NDC’s agenda to influence public sentiment.
“Over the past weeks, we have seen Organised Labour embark on several actions including threatening a national strike and vocalising strong opinions on the issue of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).”
“Interestingly, this newfound activism comes on issues they have largely been silent on for years. It is highly questionable that they have only found their voice with two months to go before the election, especially on an issue as critical as galamsey,” the statement said.
According to him, despite the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, including the prosecution of offenders and military interventions, Organised Labour is politicizing the issue, ignoring significant concessions made by the government during recent discussions.
Mustapha called on Ghanaians and union members to reject the politicization of the fight against galamsey, urging all to focus on the national interest and join forces to protect the environment.
Read the text of the statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
Organised Labour’s Position Aligns with NDC’s Election Strategy, Leaked Confidential Document Reveals
We wish to bring to the attention of the Ghanaian public that we are fully aware that the recent calls by Organised Labour and their motives are aligned with the NDC’s political strategy for the 2024 elections. A confidential document titled “Winning 2024 And Beyond”, prepared by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2021, was leaked into the public domain and came to our attention in December 2022. This document outlines the NDC’s strategy for the 2024 elections, and it is becoming increasingly evident that Organised Labour is following this politically motivated plan.
Over the past weeks, we have seen Organised Labour embark on a number of actions including threatening a national strike and vocalising strong opinions on the issue of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). Interestingly, this newfound activism comes on issues they have largely been silent on for years. It is highly questionable that they have only found their voice with two months to go before the election, especially on an issue as critical as galamsey.
It must be stated that the government has made considerable efforts over the last seven years to tackle illegal mining, taking decisive actions to safeguard our environment and the future of our natural resources. These actions including passing legislation with stiffer punishments, prosecuting offenders including the famous galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who committed crimes during Mahama’s administration and was never arrested, using the military to seize and destroy property used for galamsey, etc. Through all these efforts, Organised Labour was silent.
Moreover, Organised Labour has conveniently ignored the significant concessions made by the government during its recent meeting with the President, which were aimed at resolving these concerns. Despite these efforts, it is evident that Organised Labour’s current actions are politically charged, aimed at destabilising the government, and fuelled by the NDC’s strategy as outlined in the leaked document.
We call on all well-meaning Ghanaians and members of the various unions under Organised Labour to reject any attempt to politicise the fight against galamsey. This is a national issue that transcends party politics. The future of our environment, livelihoods, and communities depends on us coming together to fight illegal mining as one united front. All hands must be on deck to combat this menace and ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources.
Let us put the interests of Ghana first and stop using galamsey as a political tool.
Signed,
Salam Mustapha
National Youth Organizer
New Patriotic Party