The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has launched its highly anticipated Red Band Campaign today, October 10, 2024, to express its dissatisfaction with the government's response to the illegal mining menace.

According to the Coalition, despite several assurances from the government, efforts to curb galamsey have fallen short, leading to continued environmental degradation and the destruction of water bodies across the country.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, October 10,, the leaders of the Coalition highlighted that the government’s actions so far have been inadequate to stop illegal mining activities, which pose a severe threat to Ghana's natural resources.

They expressed concern over the slow pace of reforms and the inability of authorities to hold those involved accountable, despite mounting evidence of the environmental crisis caused by galamsey.

The Red Band Campaign, symbolised by the wearing of red bands, seeks to galvanize citizens and civil society groups to demand stronger government action.

The Coalition has planned a series of protests, public awareness campaigns, and engagements with stakeholders to push for urgent measures to address the galamsey issue, including the enforcement of laws and the prosecution of offenders.

The Coalition further called on the government to take immediate steps to protect the nation’s water bodies and forests from further destruction.

They emphasised that without decisive action, the country risks losing its critical natural resources, which will have devastating long-term impacts on agriculture, water supply, and public health.

Organised Labour has suspended its highly anticipated nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 10.

This decision was reached during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders evaluated the current situation and agreed to call off the strike.

The suspension followed government assurances to address illegal mining, with significant actions being taken, including an intensified Operational Halt initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces to combat galamsey in forest reserves.

Speaking at a media briefing, Trades Union Congress (TUC) Secretary General, Joshua Ansah, stated that the suspension would allow Labour to monitor the government's implementation of these measures.

Organised Labour expressed its hope that the government’s recent efforts would lead to meaningful results in the fight against illegal mining.