Several transport unions in Ghana have reversed their earlier decision to join Organized Labour’s planned sit-down strike against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The strike, set for October 10, 2024, aimed to pressure the government to take stronger measures against the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, which has severely polluted water bodies and ravaged forest reserves.
On October 9, 2024, unions such as PROTOA, Co-operative, Ghana Committed Drivers Association, Tiger Transport, and Image Transport issued a joint statement expressing their alignment with the cause but highlighted the negative impact their participation would have on the general public.
“We fully support the demand for action against galamsey, which is damaging our environment. However, as transport unions, we cannot proceed with the strike as it would cause significant hardship to commuters,” the statement read.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that participating in the strike would have a severe impact on the public. Similarly, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), the regulatory body overseeing road transport in the country, advised operators not to join, labeling transport services as “essential” to daily life.
Additionally, other unions, including the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association and the Ghana Medical Association, also pulled out of the strike.
Following these developments, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo responded with new measures to combat illegal mining. These included deploying additional military personnel to mining areas, halting mining in forest reserves, and enhancing the prosecution of illegal miners.
In light of the government’s response, Organized Labour announced the suspension of the strike. In a statement, they urged workers to return to their duties, stating, “The strike has been suspended. We call on all workers to report to work on October 10, 2024, and continue with their regular activities.”
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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