The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has announced that it has not established a plan for industrial action. As such, all members are expected to maintain uninterrupted service delivery.
However, the GMA expressed its support for Organized Labour in the battle against illegal small-scale mining (known as galamsey).
“The National Executive Council (NEC) will provide additional updates as needed,” the statement indicated.
This directive from the GMA comes at a time when members of Organized Labour have decided to proceed with 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 in Accra on October 7 that they will not retract their decision to strike.
The meeting among Organized Labour leaders was held privately, but they affirmed their intent to strike on October 10 unless the government acts to ban illegal mining.
According to Ansah, the strike will occur if the government fails to implement a ban on illegal mining.
Other union leaders have called on President Akufo-Addo to announce a complete ban before the October 10 deadline.
The government expressed surprise at Organized Labour’s decision to strike regarding galamsey.
In response, Minister of Information Fatimatu Abubakar stated that following Organized Labour’s appeal for action against illegal small-scale mining, President Akufo-Addo held a meeting with them on October 3 at the Jubilee House.
The meeting focused on the ongoing issue of illegal mining and evaluated the government’s previous efforts. It was agreed that:
- The government will work together with Organized Labour and other stakeholders to combat illegal mining.
- The government will take measures to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462) when Parliament reconvenes this month.
- The government will enhance enforcement actions, particularly concerning illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.
Mining in water bodies and forest reserves remains prohibited, and all mining activities, including reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and small-scale mining in these areas, are banned.
Law enforcement agencies are mandated to eliminate all forms of mining from water bodies and forest reserves.
The statement added that the Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift legal proceedings for illegal mining cases.
The government supports a call for all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining to depoliticize this national issue.
Given these developments, the government expressed surprise at Organized Labour’s decision to initiate industrial action on October 10, 2024.
The government will continue engaging in constructive dialogue with Organized Labour and other stakeholders to find solutions to this national challenge and reaffirms its commitment to combating illegal small-scale mining while calling on all stakeholders to join the fight.
