The realities and challenges facing the country regarding the devastation of our river bodies and forest vegetation underscore the organized labor’s call for a national strike and demand for the president to declare a state of emergency.
The health risks associated with pollution in our rivers, coupled with the degradation of agricultural lands due to hazardous practices, are already impacting our agricultural production. Richard Kumadoe, a security analyst and fraud expert, expressed these concerns on Ahotor FM 92.3, during a discussion hosted by Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Kumadoe described the current state of illegal mining in our forests and along riverbanks as a form of environmental terrorism. He urged the president to take decisive action to ensure sustainable mining practices in these areas. He expressed his support for organized labor’s decision to go on a nationwide strike in response to the ongoing devastation, which he believes requires urgent attention and may even call for international support.
He cautioned the president to use his executive powers to manage the rising tensions associated with the strike culture, to prevent destabilizing the country’s peace and security.
In a related development, the Ghanaian government has expressed disappointment over organized labor’s decision to proceed with a nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, despite a recent meeting aimed at addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Organized labor has been advocating for the president to declare a state of emergency regarding illegal mining and to implement long-term solutions to combat the issue.
In a statement released on October 7, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar expressed shock at organized labor’s insistence on moving forward with the strike, considering the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining.
The government has also supported calls for presidential candidates to sign a pact against illegal mining and has announced plans to revoke the Environmental Protection Regulations 2023 (L.I 2462) when Parliament reconvenes.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
