Organised Labour has officially suspended the nationwide strike that was scheduled to begin today.
The suspension follows key assurances from the government to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey in an emergency meeting held yesterday where Union leaders reviewed the situation and made the decision to call off the strike.
Organised Labour, in a statement to the media read by Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Joshua Ansah, acknowledged that the government has already made significant strides, including ramping up the Operational Halt initiative, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, aimed at combating illegal mining activities in forest reserves.
He emphasized that this decision will allow Labour to monitor the government’s efforts and implementation of these promised measures.
Meanwhile, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced an indefinite strike, effective today, October 10, 2024, after a strong majority voted to back industrial action in support of a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting in ecologically sensitive regions.
In a statement issued by the National Executive Council (NEC), the association highlighted its members’ strong resolve to safeguard the environment.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo, President of the University of Ghana Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana is urging members to remain vigilant adding that UTAG might become the sole voice advocating for the fight against illegal mining.
He also criticized the leadership of Organised Labour for what he described as a premature and disappointing decision to suspend the strike.
On organized labour’s decision to suspend the strike action, labour expert, Austin Ghammey says he has faith in the leadership that they will group themselves when there appear some cracks in in the memoranda signed.
Read also: Government Intensifies “Operation Halt” to Combat Illegal Mining
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
