The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has voiced deep frustration over what it sees as the government’s lack of action in addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking during an interview on Ahotor FM’s ‘Yepe Ahunu’ show on Saturday, October 5, the Secretary General of the GFL, Mr. Abraham Koomson, criticized the government for its apparent actions as water bodies and forest reserves continue to be destroyed by galamsey operations.
Mr. Koomson drew a dramatic comparison, stating that the devastation caused by illegal mining mirrors the destruction carried out by bad people, and called for more decisive action to be taken immediately.
In his conversation with host Nana Dogbe, Mr. Koomson urged Organized Labour to disregard President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s plea to delay their planned protest against galamsey, which is scheduled for October 10.
He argued that there is no room for delays given the severity of the damage already done to Ghana’s environment and called for a state of emergency to be declared.
“We will not compromise simply because the President has asked for more time,” Mr. Koomson stated firmly. “What was he doing during the last eight years? What time does he need again? We need an instant solution, and that solution is a state of emergency. Such a measure can also mobilize our traditional leaders to join in the fight, instead of relying only on the police and military.”
He emphasized that the President’s request for more time appeared to be just another tactic to buy time for those benefiting from the galamsey activities.
“If a state of emergency would harm the President, he should tell us so, otherwise, we Organized Labour will insist on the right measures being implemented. The state of emergency will not be permanent—it will simply be a means to get the right thing done.”
President Akufo-Addo has appealed to Organized Labour to reconsider their planned strike on October 10, emphasizing his commitment to addressing their concerns about illegal mining.
He made this appeal during a closed-door meeting on Thursday, October 3, with leaders of Organized Labour, where the urgent need for action against galamsey was a key topic.
However, Mr. Koomson accused the President of attempting to protect individuals within his office who are allegedly involved in illegal mining.
He claimed that the President’s request for more time was intended to shield those individuals from scrutiny.
“People within the President’s office are deeply engaged in galamsey, and he is protecting them,” he asserted.
Mr. Koomson also disclosed that Organized Labour would meet on Monday to deliberate over the President’s request.
He predicted that the members would proceed with the planned strike, given the gravity of the environmental crisis.
“Galamsey is putting all of us at risk. Just look at our water bodies—I fear for my health every time I drink water. Even the so-called pure waters are not pure anymore.”
The GFL Secretary General also used the opportunity to deny allegations that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had given Organized Labour GHC400,000 to support the planned nationwide strike.
“These allegations are baseless and are simply an attempt to divide our labour front,” he insisted. “Galamsey is destroying our country, and as workers, we have a role to play in protecting it. We have not received any money from the NDC.”
Mr. Koomson’s statements reflect a growing frustration among Ghanaians over the handling of illegal mining, as more and more people call for immediate and concrete steps to stop the environmental destruction.
His passionate call to action signals that, for many, the time for delay is over decisive action must be taken, and it must be taken now.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana🇬🇭
