The meeting between the government’s ad-hoc committee on illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” and Organized Labour ended without a resolution as Organized Labour introduced six new demands.
Among these demands is a call for the two main political parties in the country to sign a pact committing to a united front in the fight against galamsey, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan approach to address this pressing issue.
Initially, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) had outlined several key demands before the meeting, including an immediate and total ban on illegal mining, the deployment of the military to enforce this ban, and the revocation of the recent legislation that permits mining activities in forest reserves.
These demands were aimed at curbing the environmental degradation and social problems associated with galamsey, which has become a critical concern for the country.
However, the scope of the TUC’s demands expanded during the discussions.
General Secretary of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, announced that their demands had now increased to six, signaling a more comprehensive approach to tackling the galamsey menace.
This escalation suggests a growing frustration with the government’s efforts to address illegal mining and a desire for more decisive and immediate action.
The inconclusive end to the meeting highlights the complexities involved in resolving the galamsey issue, which has far-reaching environmental, economic, and social implications.
Organized Labour’s insistence on a broader set of demands reflects the urgency and gravity of the situation, as well as the need for a coordinated and firm response from all stakeholders.
The call for the two main political parties to sign a commitment pact underscores the belief that a non-partisan and unified effort is crucial in eradicating illegal mining activities in Ghana.
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Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
