The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of TUC-Ghana has instructed its members to begin a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10.

This move comes in response to the government's failure to meet organised labour’s demands concerning the fight against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 8, GAWU emphasised that its decision to strike was solidified after a meeting between organised labour and President Akufo-Addo on October 3.

It said the meeting did not result in any substantial progress, as the president was unable to persuade the group to call off the planned action.

GAWU's participation in the strike is part of a larger initiative by organised labour, which is pushing the government to declare a state of emergency to effectively combat galamsey.

The union, along with other labour groups, aims to intensify pressure on the government to address the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.

“We therefore call on management to support this course as all workers are directed to stay off work with effect from Thursday 10th October 2024 until the government accede to our demands.”

The strike is anticipated to disrupt various sectors as workers across the country plan to stay off work until their demands are met, further escalating tensions over the unresolved issue of illegal mining.