A group calling itself Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has announced that the Group will embark on a demonstration against Organised labour on October 12.
The protest is to kick against Organised Labour’s planned strike on October 10 to demand government to stop galamsey activities in the country.
The Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has announced that the Group will embark on a demonstration against Organised labour on October 12.
The protest is to kick against Organised Labour’s planned strike on October 10 to demand government to stop galamsey activities in the country.
A letter to the IGP informing the police about the demonstration described Organised Labour’s decision as “counterproductive, politically motivated and an attempt to shut down our source of livelihood.”
The Association said although they acknowledge that illegal mining has significantly damaged the country’s water bodies, “organised labour’s stance is not the solution to this century-long problem.”
The Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana believes that a comprehensive approach in addressing the root causes of illegal mining is the needed solution to this century-long problem.
They urged Organised labour to join stakeholders in bringing up workable solutions to mitigate the threats associated with illegal mining rather than declaring a nationwide strike.
According to the Association, small-scale mining is legal per the Minerals and Mining Act 2006, Act 703 and “the wrongs of a recalcitrant few cannot be used to ban all other small-scale mining firms undertaking responsible mining.”
Members of Organised Labour have resolved to proceed with the nationwide strike on October 10 despite being urged by President Akufo-Addo to give him more time to address their concerns during a meeting on October 4.
Spokesperson of Organised Labour Joshua Ansah said in Accra on October 7 that they will not back down. The Organised Labour meeting was held behind closed doors. However, the leadership insisted that it would proceed with the strike on October 10 as stated.
According to Joshua Ansah the strike will happen if government does not ban illegal mining.
