Organised Labour, represented by A Rocha Ghana and other civil society groups, has firmly rejected an invitation by the ADHOC Committee for further discussions regarding the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.
According to Daryl Bossu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, the group is demanding that their outlined solutions be implemented before any further dialogue can take place.
“Organised Labour met with them (ADHOC Committee). The conclusion was the same, meet our demands, and we talk,” Bossu stated, adding that if no tangible action is taken by the end of September, the group will reassess its strategy.
Bossu made it clear that Organised Labour’s position is non-negotiable. “We are giving the government until the end of the month. The outcome of all this will be seen after the month ends,” he warned. Speaking on behalf of other civil society organizations, including the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Bossu revealed their refusal to engage in more discussions with the committee. “We are done with too much talking,” he emphasized, calling for immediate practical solutions.
The group, which has been vocal about the devastating environmental impact of galamsey, reiterated that they are not calling for a blanket ban on mining but rather an end to all mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies.
Bossu stressed the unfairness of the current regulations, stating, “Whether it is legal or illegal mining, we should not allow it to happen in our forest reserves or rivers.”
The group’s demands include the withdrawal of any mining leases that permit operations in these sensitive areas.
A Rocha Ghana also marked World Rivers Day with a street protest, raising awareness about the importance of protecting water resources from the harmful effects of illegal mining.
“It’s not all about the gold, we should also think of the welfare of the people,” Bossu said. As the month-end deadline looms, the group remains steadfast in its resolve, vowing to strike and protest if the government fails to meet their demands.
