October 10 strike called off: Oganised Labour leaders pleased with government’s anti-galamsey measures

Organised labour has suspended its planned strike scheduled for October 10, following new commitments from the government to tackle the illegal mining crisis. This was confirmed by the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Mr. Ansah explained that the decision came after a meeting with the government, during which new measures were introduced to intensify the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The Lands Minister has been directed by the President to submit a request to Parliament for the revocation of L.I. 2462, a move the unions had long advocated for.

The announcement marks a shift in organized labour’s stance, as days earlier the group had expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts, preparing to proceed with their strike. “The meeting resolved that the measures announced by the government were not adequate in addressing our demands and stopping the dangers posed by illegal mining,” Mr. Ansah stated, reaffirming the unions’ initial frustrations. However, after continued dialogue, the government offered improved, time-bound strategies to address the concerns raised by the unions.

Part of the new commitment includes the deployment of military personnel to combat illegal mining and the establishment of 14 specialized courts to expedite the prosecution of offenders. These actions were seen as evidence of the government’s increasing commitment to resolving the environmental and economic damages caused by galamsey.

The TUC has clarified that while the planned nationwide strike has been suspended, the union will continue to closely monitor the government’s actions. Mr. Ansah emphasized that the suspension of the strike does not mean labour will relent, warning, “The government would see a reaction from organised labour if they do not fulfill their promise.”

All union members are therefore expected to report to work on October 10 and beyond as discussions between the unions and the government progress. This decision comes after the TUC and other labour groups expressed cautious optimism over the government’s enhanced anti-galamsey efforts. However, Mr. Ansah stressed that labour’s patience is dependent on the government making good on its commitments in the coming weeks.