Government has expressed surprise at the decision of Organised Labour to go ahead with an industrial action on October 10, 2024, in protest of the ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the country.

This comes after a high-level meeting between President Akufo-Addo and Organised Labour on October 3, 2024, at the Jubilee House, where key agreements were reached to combat the menace.

• Read also: Galamsey: Organised labour to proceed on Oct. 10 strike as gov’t fails to meet demands

During the meeting, both parties acknowledged the devastating effects of illegal mining and agreed on several measures to address the issue. Among the agreements were:

• Collaboration between the government, Organised Labour, and other stakeholders to tackle illegal mining.
• A commitment by the government to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462), when Parliament reconvenes in October.
• Intensified enforcement of laws prohibiting mining in water bodies and forest reserves, with a reaffirmation that these areas will remain "Red Zones" for all forms of mining.
• Empowering law enforcement agencies to eliminate illegal mining activities from these protected zones.
• Cooperation between the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice to ensure the swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.
• Support for a pact for all presidential candidates to commit to depoliticizing the fight against illegal mining.

Despite these agreements, Organised Labour announced its intention to proceed with a strike to demand more decisive action from the government.

Fight Against Galamsey: Organised Labour to proceed on strike in 3 days. pic.twitter.com/30qGPVHqec

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) October 7, 2024

According to the leadership, "government's proposal does not adequately address our demands and therefore our notice of strike remains unchanged.

In a statement issued by the Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar on Monday, October 7, the government expressed its surprise at this move but reassured the public of its dedication to solving the illegal mining crisis.

• Read Also: Akufo-Addo has pleaded with Organised Labour to call off strike – Ghana Federation of Labour

"Government will continue to engage Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to find lasting solutions to this national problem," the statement read.

The government also reiterated its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and called on all citizens and stakeholders to join forces in the battle to protect the nation’s water bodies, forests, and environment.