There is a leadership failure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) across all sectors of the economy, necessitating a communal spirit and voluntary efforts to support former President John Dramani Mahama in regaining power. The severe economic hardship facing the country demands a concerted effort from citizens to vote massively for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to secure a majority in Parliament, allowing the new government to cancel dubious contracts entered into by the NPP, which Akamba believes were made without due process.
Joshua Hamid Akamba, the former National Organizer of the NDC, made these statements during the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He emphasized the importance of the NDC closing ranks and uniting without internal conflicts as the national elections approach.
Reacting to comments about the effects of illegal mining on river bodies and forests, Akamba described remarks from certain Members of Parliament as unfortunate and unwarranted. He asserted that the only way to effectively combat illegal mining is to vote the NPP out of power and restore the NDC to govern, thereby revitalizing the nation’s vegetation and waterways.
In another development, Professor Ransford Gyampo, President of the University of Ghana’s chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), dismissed the Presidency’s invitation to the leadership of Organised Labour to discuss its planned strike against illegal mining, known as galamsey, calling it needless and disingenuous.
Organised Labour announced its decision to embark on an indefinite strike starting October 1, citing the government’s failure to meet demands that include a ban on all forms of mining and the declaration of a state of emergency to address galamsey.
Speaking to the media Prof. Gyampo accused the government of acting in bad faith and lacking courtesy in its dealings with Organised Labour. He expressed frustration with the government’s predictable approach, labeling it “needless and bogus.”
“Whenever Labour reaches an agreement with the government and they cannot meet the terms, they lack the courtesy to inform us,” he stated. “We anticipated this response. It is unproductive; they know what actions to take but choose not to, opting instead to engage in discussions that are unnecessary.”
Prof. Gyampo justified Organised Labour’s decision to give a week’s notice before its indefinite strike on October 10, emphasizing that this period allows the various unions within Organised Labour to prepare adequately and follow due process.
“Critics who question why we didn’t declare the strike immediately fail to understand how Organised Labour operates. We must appropriately inform all member unions before a major strike,” he explained. “Various processes must be followed, which is why we are providing a one-week window.”
Story by: Alexander Kukah
