NLC worried about Organised Labour’s nationwide demo against galamsey

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The National Labour Commission ( NLC 

) has expressed serious concerns about the impending nationwide strike organized by Organised Labour in response to the government’s failure to tackle illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

The strike, scheduled to commence on October 10, 2024, was declared after Organised Labour 

, representing various unions and workers’ groups, demanded government action by the end of September to address the pressing issue of illegal mining, which has severely impacted the environment and local livelihoods.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NLC, Ofosu Asamoah, voiced his anxiety over the planned strike, noting its potential to cause significant disruptions to the country.

“It is very worrying. If you even listen to the way I speak, you will know that I am worried because how can we have the whole of the labour force in Ghana being on strike? That will be a very massive loss to the government and the people of Ghana,” he stated.

Asamoah highlighted the severe economic consequences such a strike could have, especially given the current state of Ghana’s economy.

“Our present economic situation is not the best. If we are going to lose all that, I don’t think it is good for us,” he added.

He expressed hope that the government would take immediate steps to resolve the issues raised by Organised Labour, thus preventing the strike from going ahead.

“I am sure the government will take immediate steps to address their concerns,” Asamoah said.

Additionally, Asamoah revealed that the NLC would be meeting on Tuesday, October 2, to deliberate on Organised Labour’s decision to strike.

During an emergency meeting held on October 1, 2024, members of Organised Labour voiced their frustration with the government’s inaction, having previously set a September deadline for effective measures to combat illegal mining.

Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, explained the rationale behind the strike. “Following the expiration of our deadline and the government’s failure to meet our demands regarding illegal mining, Organised Labour has decided to declare a nationwide strike effective October 10, 2024,” he said. Ansah further stressed the damaging impact of galamsey, which not only devastates the environment but also poses serious health risks to affected communities.

Illegal mining remains a significant challenge in Ghana, endangering vital water bodies and ecosystems. Despite government interventions, including the deployment of security forces and the arrest of illegal miners, the issue continues to persist.