Organised Labour has intensified its pressure on the government to take firm action against illegal mining, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if its demands are not met.
At a meeting with government officials on September 17, the labour unions, led by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), outlined two new conditions in addition to their existing four demands.
The unions are calling for the revocation of the Executive Instrument (EI) that permits mining in forest reserves, and are urging all political parties to sign a binding agreement to ban illegal mining (galamsey).
In a statement issued by Organised Labour on Wednesday, TUC General Secretary Joshua Ansah, warned that the government has one week to respond favourably to these demands or face industrial action at the end of the month.
The new demands supplement existing calls for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in regions severely impacted by galamsey, and a total ban on mining in forest reserves.
Labour leaders argue that without these steps, illegal mining will continue to inflict irreparable damage on water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems.
The unions are also pushing for the creation of special courts dedicated to prosecuting offenders involved in illegal mining.
With the environmental and economic toll of galamsey worsening, Organised Labour insists that immediate, decisive action is required to address the crisis.
Failure to do so, they warned, will lead to a nationwide strike that could further disrupt the country’s economic recovery efforts.
Source:norvanreports.com