Joshua Ansah
Chaos has erupted within Organised Labour as some workers’ unions have broken ranks and distanced themselves from the intended nationwide strike, scheduled to commence today.
The deepening rift within the labour movement, which has led to confusion and uncertainty, has forced the leadership of the Organised Labour to announce the suspension of the intended strike.
Led by Joshua Ansah of Trades Union Congress (TUC), Organised Labour called a nationwide strike to push the government to crack down on illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
Despite the government agreeing to take steps to deal with the menace, including a revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462), the leaders of Organised Labour insisted on forging ahead with its planned strike.
But following widespread skepticism about the strike’s potential impact and internal disagreements, Organised Labour has reluctantly agreed to call off its planned nationwide strike, heeding the President’s request.
This decision coincides with the government’s recently announced plans to combat illegal mining, specifically in water bodies and forest reserves, through enhanced enforcement measures.
At a media briefing in Accra yesterday, Secretary General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, explained that Organised Labour’s decision to back down from the strike was to observe the government’s progress in implementing the agreed-upon measures.
He also acknowledged the government’s significant strides in combating illegal mining activities in forest reserves, notably through the scaled-up Operational Halt initiative, spearheaded by the Ghana Armed Forces.
According to him, this development underscores the government’s renewed commitment to tackling the environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
However, the sudden U-turn by Organised Labour has left many stunned and raised eyebrows, considering the unions’ prior steadfastness in demanding action from the government.
Fractured Unity
Many have attributed the fractured unity being experienced by the labour movement as a result of the partisan stance that was taken by the leadership.
The contentious issue of galamsey has become a political football in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
The first group of workers’ union to divorce itself from the intended strike was the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), which stated that its members would not join the nationwide strike.
According to the GMA, it has not declared a roadmap for industrial action, despite its solidarity with Organised Labour in the fight against galamsey.
In a statement signed by the GMA President, Dr. Frank Serebour, the association assured that its members would continue providing full medical services without interruptions.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) joined the growing list of unions opting out of the strike action called by Organised Labour, announcing that its members will not participate in the industrial action.
It directed all nurses and midwives to stay at post and continue delivering safe and quality health services.
Whilst the heat was on, employees of the National Investment Bank Limited (NIB) also opted out of the impending strike, citing the unique nature of the banking industry and the bank’s specific circumstances.
In a memo addressed to all staff of the bank and signed by Professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU) Chairman, Michael Narh Davies, the union members said they had decided not to participate in the industrial action for now, stating, “All staff are expected to provide full service to customers without interruption.”
The union, however, announced its solidarity with Organised Labour in the fight against galamsey.
The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) publicly declared its support for the nationwide strike, but strongly indicated that its members would not partake in it.
GHOSPA said it recognises that tackling the galamsey crisis requires a collaborative effort from government, Organised Labour, and civil society organisations.
In a statement signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Owusu Owiafe, and Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana (PTAG) President, Richard Ofosu Addai, GHOSPA acknowledged the vital role pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play in providing healthcare services to Ghanaians.
As essential workforce members, GHOSPA is committed to ensuring consistent healthcare delivery, even during industrial disputes, the statement noted.
It added that although GHOSPA will not participate in the strike, they fully support Organised Labour’s demands and urge the government to promptly address the galamsey issue.
The association also called on all political parties to agree to a pact promising a lasting resolution to this pressing problem.
By Ernest Kofi Adu