Six reasons Organised Labour suspended planned nationwide strike against illegal mining

Organised Labour has suspended its planned nationwide strike set for October 10.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders assessed the situation and agreed to call off the industrial action.

In a statement issued today after the emergency meeting, Organised Labour said government has begun to show some commitment to tackling illegal mining.

It indicated that on yesterday, October 8, 2024, government team met with the leadership of Organised Labour and Ghana Employers' Association (GEA).

Following this meeting, it noted that government offered enhanced and time-bound measures in respect of their demands and the fight against illegal mining.

These measures include:
1. The revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.1.2462). The President has directed the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources to submit a Memorandum for the revocation of the L.I. to Parliament when it reconvenes on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

2. The redeployment of the military and other law enforcement agencies to flush out illegal miners from water bodies and forest reserves. The military is now supporting the Forest Guards of the Forest Commission to protect the forest reserves from destruction by illegal miners and loggers.

3. Government working with the Judiciary has already established fourteen (14) dedicated courts - 7 high courts and 7 circuit courts - to handle illegal mining cases.

4. Collaborating with Organised Labour and other stakeholders to fight illegal mining. Government has asked Organized Labour to nominate representatives to be part of the stakeholders committee to fight illegal mining in the country.

5. Government supports the call by Organised Labour for all Presidential Candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining.

6. Government affirmed its commitment to engage with stakeholders including Organised Labour and the Ghana Employers' Association to bring an end to illegal mining in Ghana.

Organised Labour warns that it will roar at government again if it fails to do what it promised.

"These are significant concessions that Organised Labours' demands and threats have forced government to make towards combating illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana. We have therefore, decided to suspend the intended strike action. We are calling on all workers to report for work on October 10, 2024, and beyond. Organised Labour will keenly monitor the implementation of these measures. Government will hear from us if it fails to do the needful," Organised Labour emphasised.