Organised Labour has expressed deep concern over President Akufo-Addo’s handling of the illegal mining menace, commonly referred to as galamsey, suggesting that the president is either overwhelmed by the situation or has given up entirely on the fight.

The unions believe the government’s lack of action and silence on the matter indicate a loss of control over the crisis.

Speaking on behalf of the unions in an interview with Citi FM on Sunday, September 29, the General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, Abdul Moomin Gbana, pointed out that despite numerous appeals and warnings, the government has failed to implement any meaningful measures to curb the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.

He noted that water bodies and forest reserves continue to suffer irreparable damage while illegal mining activities persist unchecked.

Organised Labour had previously called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency over the galamsey crisis but received no response.

This has led to growing frustration among the unions, who are now planning a nationwide protest to demand more decisive action from the government.

Mr Gbana emphasised that the inaction on the part of the president reflects either an inability to manage the situation or a complete resignation from the fight against galamsey.

The unions remain determined to push for stronger measures to protect Ghana’s natural resources, urging the government to demonstrate its commitment to solving the illegal mining problem.

“It is clear that the President is either overwhelmed with the whole illegal mining menace, It is either he is giving up on the fight, or he simply wants to tell the Ghanaian people that we cannot call the bluff on him. And it is one of the three and that is why Organised Labour is not relenting on this fight," he stated.