As the October 10 deadline for a nationwide strike looms, Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), has urged government to be more attuned to the nation’s mood.

In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on October 8, he expressed concern over government’s handling of the ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) crisis and its failure to declare a state of emergency as demanded by Organised Labour, of which NAGRAT is a part.

Mr Carbonu was emphatic about the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the time for mere words had passed, and it was now time for decisive action.

“In all things that you do in governance, one very vital thing you should take into consideration is the mood of the nation,” he stated.

He added, “The question you should ask yourself is, what is the mood of the nation?”

The galamsey crisis, which has devastated local communities and polluted water sources, has left many Ghanaians frustrated and angry.

Mr Carbonu highlighted the stark reality many citizens face, recalling images of children suffering from the consequences of contaminated water and the desperation of communities affected by illegal mining activities.

“What is the mood of the nation, the revulsion with which people react when they see the colour of our rivers when they see those babies on the verge of death?” he asked.

“People wonder, what type of country do we find ourselves in?”

The NAGRAT President warned that the government’s failure to address the crisis effectively has led to a tipping point.

“We’ve come to a head, and this is not the time for us to be issuing words that are like deodorized expressions of issues that we already know,” Mr Carbonu said.

He stressed that the people want to see genuine leadership from those in charge, and he was particularly critical of what he sees as leaders pacifying the wrong people, specifically those engaged in illegal mining.

“The fact that you have acquired rights in some sense doesn’t mean that you are doing the right thing,” he said.

Organized Labour, frustrated by government’s inaction on their calls for a state of emergency, has indicated it will embark on a nationwide demonstration if its demands are not met.

Mr Carbonu acknowledged that dissent within labour ranks could result in internal conflicts, noting, “Anybody in labour who descends from this Organised Labour action could be facing expulsion within their unions, and from where I sit, it has started happening.”

With time running out before the October 10 deadline, the government has been appealing for more dialogue, hoping to prevent the impending nationwide shutdown.

However, Mr Carbonu was not optimistic about the government’s approach, noting that the country needs “decisions made of stellar stuff, decisions that give me confidence that the government wants to drive itself to solve this problem, regardless of the consequences.”

Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Carbonu likened it to crises faced by other countries.

He mentioned Ukraine, which had to put elections on hold to defend itself from external aggression, and the current conflict in the Middle East.

He drew a parallel, stating that Ghana is also under siege, but from within, due to illegal mining that threatens the country’s resources and people.

While Mr Carbonu acknowledged that a new emergency meeting between the government and labour leaders had been scheduled, he remained cautious about the outcome.

“Maybe, just maybe, the outcome of the meeting may be satisfactory, and that is what we are going to discuss tomorrow,” he said.

However, he added, “I don’t have the details, so I’m unable to comment on it.”

As the clock ticks towards the deadline, the tension between organized labour and the government continues to build.

Mr Carbonu’s message to the government is clear: “This is the time the people of this country want to see those at the helm of affairs show leadership.”