Organised Labour has firmly maintained its decision to proceed with the nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, despite President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to tackling the illegal mining crisis.
The group has expressed profound dissatisfaction with the government’s responses to their demands, highlighting a growing frustration among workers.
Organised Labour has been urging the president to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining and implement sustainable solutions to combat the pervasive menace affecting the environment and communities.
Speaking to the media on Monday, October 7, Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), reiterated the union’s resolve to carry out the strike unless the government takes significant action before the impending deadline.
Ansah emphasized that the government’s proposals do not adequately address the workers’ demands, reinforcing their decision to move forward with the strike.
“We have concluded as follows; our strike remains unchanged,” he asserted, echoing the sentiments of many frustrated workers who feel their voices are not being heard.
However, discontent is brewing within Organised Labour itself, as factions, particularly from the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), have raised concerns about the lack of consultation prior to the strike announcement.
Identifying themselves as “Concerned Members of Organised Labour,” they have urged leadership to reconsider the strike and engage in further dialogue with the government.
Dr. Solomon Fokuo, a TUTAG member, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing both the galamsey crisis and the welfare of their members, stating that if the leadership had invested the same energy into advocating for their members, the situation might have been managed more effectively.
By Ruth Sekyi
