Dr. Frank Serebour
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has stated that its members will not be joining the nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, called by Organised Labour to protest illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey.
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 statement emphasised that while the Association supports the fight against galamsey, its members are committed to maintaining healthcare services.
The statement said the National Executive Council (NEC) would provide further updates and guidance to GMA members when necessary.
Organised Labour is forging ahead with its planned strike, seeking to compel the government to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining activities.
President-Labour Agreement
Following the call by Organised Labour and other stakeholders on Government to take action on the menace of illegal small-scale mining in the country, President Nana Akufo-Addo, convened a meeting with Organised Labour on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Jubilee House.
Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar, said the meeting discussed the long-standing issue of illegal mining, reviewed the situation and Government’s effort thus far.
She said in a statement that it was agreed between the parties that the “Government will collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.”
According to her, under the agreement, the Government will take steps, when Parliament reconvenes, to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462).
The Information Minister also said under the broader agreement between the Government and Organised Labour, the Government will step up its efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves, by increasing enforcement measures to prohibit galamsey activities in these sensitive areas.
“Water bodies and Forest Reserves remain Red Zones for mining, and all forms of mining in water bodies, as well as reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration and/or small scale mining in forest reserves remain banned,” the statement indicated.
Ms. Fatimatu stated that law enforcement agencies of the state are fully mandated to rid “our water bodies and forest reserves of all forms of mining.”
She said the Attorney General would collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases, whilst the Government supports the call for all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining so as to depoliticise this national problem.
She noted that in light of the above, the Government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed on an industrial action from October 10, 2024.
The Information Minister indicated that the Government would, however, continue to engage Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue in finding solutions for this national menace.
“Government reiterates its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight,” she intimated.
Small-Scale Miners’ Demo
Meanwhile, small-scale miners are pushing back against Organised Labour’s nationwide strike, scheduled to start on October 10.
A group calling itself Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has announced plans to stage a demonstration in protest of the strike.
While recognising the environmental damage caused by some illegal miners, the group disputes Organised Labour’s approach as an effective solution, citing the need for a more nuanced strategy to address the deeply ingrained issues surrounding artisanal and small-scale mining in the country.
General Secretary of the group, Mark Conduah, said in a statement that the upcoming demonstration aims to educate the public on the legality of small-scale mining in Ghana, as outlined in Act 703.
The group stressed that the entire industry should not be penalised for the wrongdoing of a minority, advocating for responsible mining practices to continue uninterrupted.
According to the statement, the demonstration is set to take place this Friday, October 11, 2024, and will make its way through Accra’s main streets.
The group urged Organised Labour to refrain from disparaging the small-scale mining industry and instead join forces with workers and stakeholders to devise solutions that tackle the challenges posed by illegal mining.
By Ernest Kofi Adu