Lead a final onslaught on galamsey — TUC urges Mahama

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to lead a decisive national offensive against illegal mining, known as galamsey.

The union observed that the long-standing menace continues to destroy water bodies and forest reserves across Ghana.

Speaking at the 2026 National May Day celebration held in Koforidua in the Eastern Region on Friday, May 1, TUC Secretary General, Joshua Ansah, stressed that galamsey has reached alarming levels despite previous government interventions and policy restrictions.

He urged the President to take stronger action to halt the practice completely.

“Organized labor sincerely commend you and your government for revoking LI 2462, which had permitted mining in forest reserves. But Mister President, mining is still ongoing in our forest and river bodies,” he said.

The TUC Secretary General further noted that “Ghana will not have rivers in the next few years” if urgent steps are not taken to stop illegal mining.

Beyond galamsey, the TUC also used the platform to highlight broader economic and labour concerns, including unemployment, low wages, and poor working conditions.

Mr. Ansah asserted that the situation is deeply worrying for young people and workers.

“We are almost at crisis level,” he noted, pointing to the country's growing unemployment situation.

Organised Labour also renewed calls for stronger labour protections, pension reforms, and a more deliberate national employment policy that prioritises job creation alongside macroeconomic stability.