The University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has decided to join Organised Labour’s industrial action against illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey).
In a vote held on Tuesday, October 8, 443 members participated, with 355 (80.14%) supporting the strike and 88 (19.6%) opposing it.
Organised Labour has committed to a nationwide strike on October 10, despite President Akufo-Addo’s request for more time to address their concerns during a meeting on October 4.
Joshua Ansah, the spokesperson for Organized Labour, stated on October 7 that they remain firm on their decision to strike unless the government imposes a ban on illegal mining. He emphasized, “If nothing has been done by the tenth of October, there will be a nationwide strike. Our position remains unchanged.”
Other union leaders have urged President Akufo-Addo to announce a complete ban on illegal mining before the deadline.
In response to the impending strike, the government expressed surprise. A statement from Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar revealed that a meeting between the President and Organised Labour took place on October 3 to address the issue of illegal mining.
The meeting resulted in several agreements, including:
- Collaboration: The government will work with Organized Labour and other stakeholders to combat illegal mining.
- Regulation Revocation: Steps will be taken to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462) when Parliament reconvenes.
- Increased Enforcement: The government plans to enhance enforcement measures against illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.
The statement also mentioned the Attorney-General’s commitment to expedite the adjudication of illegal mining cases and support for a pact among presidential candidates to address the issue non-politically.
The government remains committed to fighting illegal small-scale mining and is open to continuing dialogue with Organized Labour and other stakeholders to find solutions to this pressing national issue.
