The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of TUC has called on the government to as a matter of urgency fulfill its promise to organize labour to curb the illegal mining menace which is also known as galamsey.
This appeal was made in a press release issued in Accra on Friday 8th November 2024 by GAWU and signed by Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe the General Secretary in commemoration of the 40th Farmers’ Day Celebration in Ghana, themed: “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security”.
According to the statement, the Agricultural sector in Ghana is faced with many challenges but very critical amongst them is illegal mining also called galamsey.
They bemoaned that this practice is threatening rural communities, polluting water sources and compromising the land that farmers depend on.
“Galamsey has devastating effects on agriculture, reducing productivity and jeopardizing food security. We call on the government to fulfill its promises to organized labour by taking decisive actions to curb galamsey. Addressing this issue will not only protect our land but also secure the health and safety of our farmers and their families” part of the statement reads.
Organized labour on the 9th October, 2024 suspended its planned nationwide strike against galamsey which was scheduled for 10th October, 2024 after the government had given them some assurances and outlined time bound measures to tackle galamsey.
The measures based on which Organised Labour agreed to suspend the nationwide strike include revocation of the mining in forest reserves Regulation of 2023 (L.I. 2642).
The redeployment of the military and other law enforcement agencies to flush out illegal miners from water bodies and forest reserves.
Another one is the directive by the President for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to submit a memorandum for the revocation of the Regulation to Parliament when it reconvenes on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
It could be recalled that President Akufo-Addo in 2017 while giving his address at a two-day workshop on galamsey in Accra for traditional leaders made a solemn promise to stop illegal mining even at the peril of his presidency. “I have said it in the cabinet, and perhaps this is the first time I am making this public, that I am prepared to put my presidency on the line on this matter”.
However, galamsey has rather seen a sharp increase with allegations of top government officials spearheading this menace under the government President Akufo-Addo.
Notable organisations like UTAG, CSOs, Religious Organizations and well-meaning Ghanaians have expressed great worry over the havoc galamsey is wrecking on the nation. Some have organized demonstrations, protests, strikes and other forms and have made calls on the government to act appropriately to curb illegal mining yet little to nothing has been done.
GAWU is also urging the government to address the pressing issues impacting food production in Ghana.
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By Samuel Afriyie Owusu
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