Government has been taken aback by Organised Labour’s entrenched position to proceed on a nationwide industrial action as part of efforts to fight the illegal mining menace.
This strike action by Organised Labour which comprises about 70 trade unions, if undertaken on October 10, 2024, could possibly shut down the entire country.
The decision to proceed on the strike follows a meeting with the president on October 10, 2024, where the government acceded to some demands of labour but rejected others such as the declaration of a state of emergency.
After a crunch meeting today, October 7, 2024, the labour front announced that they are not convinced with the accessions by the government as well as its management of the menace hence their decision to proceed with the strike action as scheduled.
Hours after the announcement by Organised Labour, the government in a statement through the Ministry of Information says it is surprised by the stance labour has taken on the issue after the meeting with President Akufo-Addo.
The statement signed by the Minister for Information, Fatima Abubakar however indicated that the government will continue with the engagement with Organised Labour to find amicable solutions to the issue.
“Government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed on an industrial action from 10th October, 2024. Government will, however, continue to engage Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue in finding solutions for this national menace,” parts of the statement read.
The government further reiterated its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and therefore called on all Ghanaians to join the battle against the illegality.
