The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has called on Organised Labour to reconsider its planned nationwide strike, which is set to begin on October 10.
Organised Labour’s decision to strike follows the government’s failure to meet its demands, including a complete ban on small-scale mining and the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In response, the Presidency has extended an invitation to the leadership of Organised Labour to discuss the impending strike.
During a press conference held on October 3 in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, GNASSM expressed concerns that the strike could worsen the country’s already fragile economy. The association urged stakeholders to explore alternative solutions to address the issue of galamsey, rather than resorting to strike actions, which could have severe economic implications.
“We will plead with the Organized Labour to reconsider their decision to embark on a nationwide strike which will affect our already fragile economy but rather lead in the discussion and finding lasting and sustainable solutions to the illegal mining that will not be political.”
The Association stressed that tackling the galamsey menace requires a collaborative, bipartisan approach, bringing together stakeholders from across the political spectrum.
“There should be a bipartisan approach in dealing with the illegal mining menace. Those who are politicking with the issue for their selfish gain should know that it is not the solution issue but rather a path to our destruction as a people because if we don’t have water there is no life.”
GNASSM called on the government to as a matter of urgency deploy personnel to water bodies to curb ongoing pollution at the various water bodies.
“We are calling on the government as a matter of urgency to deploy personnel to the water bodies to curb the ongoing pollution and GNASSM will support in whatever form or shape.
“Government should reconsider permitting entities to work in the forest reserves. If the companies are not working in accordance with the condition of their permit requirement then it should be revoked.”
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