Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has expressed disappointment over Organised Labour’s decision to call off its October 10 planned strike aimed at pressuring the government to take stronger action against illegal mining (galamsey).

According to her, the claim by Organised Labour that the government has made some progress in addressing the issue and that they want to observe how these steps will unfold is not an accurate reflection of the situation.

• Read also: Galamsey: Organised labour suspends October 10 strike

Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Wednesday, October 9, Awula Serwah stated that Organised Labour had originally called for a state of emergency, a revocation of mining licenses and a total ban on mining in forest reserves and water bodies of which the government has not fulfilled.

She stressed that the government has had eight years to deal with the galamsey problem, yet they have shown little commitment.

“So to call off the strike now, for me, it’s more disappointing because the demands have not been met so on what basis is the strike being called off,” she asked.

Her comments come after orgainsed labour in a meeting held on Wednesday called off its intended strike action.

• Read also: Akufo-Addo reaffairms commitment to end galamsey

According to the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, the decision followed a meeting with the government, during which the administration offered enhanced measures to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.

Mr. Ansah indicated that the President had directed the Lands Minister to submit a request to Parliament for the revocation of L.I. 2462.

He mentioned that this, along with the deployment of soldiers to assist in the fight and the establishment of 14 courts for the trial of all arrested illegal miners showed enough commitment on the government's part.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed his commitment to end illegal mining (galamsey) in response to growing concerns from Organised Labour.