The High Street Journal has learned that the leadership of organised labour may be reconsidering its plan to launch an indefinite strike in protest of the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” This development follows a meeting with President Akufo-Addo at the presidential office on Thursday, October 4.
Though the details of the discussion remain limited, sources report that while the President agreed to some demands outlined in labour’s petition, he rejected others. Specifically, President Akufo-Addo declined the request to declare a state of emergency but expressed willingness to amend the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), to enhance efforts in combating illegal mining.
The president has also recommended that the Chief Justice sets up specialised courts to prosecute illegal mining cases.
As of midday Friday, the President had officially responded to each item in the petition. However, organised labour has yet to disclose its position on the President’s response. Sources suggest that a formal press briefing will be held on Monday, during which labour leaders are expected to announce their next steps—likely including a decision to call off the strike.
Pressure is mounting for labour leadership to communicate sooner, as some union members are eager for details on the meeting’s outcome. There’s also internal agitation among members, as some of them want their leadership to proceed with the strike. Monday’s meeting will determine whether the strike will happen or not.
Additionally, civil society groups have expressed dissatisfaction with labour’s apparent shift. Franklin Cudjoe, President of Imani Ghana, took to social media to sharply criticize any potential strike cancellation, stating, “Organised labour will be very foolish to call off the nation-wide strike against state-sponsored illegal mining.”
With several media talk shows scheduled over the weekend, it remains to be seen whether labour leaders will maintain their silence until Monday.
