The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has confirmed it will move forward with its planned nationwide strike or protest following a crucial meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

This decision comes in response to the government’s failure to declare a state of emergency to combat the illegal mining, or galamsey, crisis.

On September 11, the TUC issued a warning to the government, stating that they would initiate a strike by the end of September if President Nana Akufo-Addo did not take concrete steps to address the growing environmental and economic damage caused by galamsey activities.

The union's leadership will meet on Tuesday to finalize arrangements for the demonstration, which is intended to pressure the government into taking stronger action against illegal mining.

The protest underscores the urgency with which the TUC views the ongoing crisis.

TUC Chairman Bernard Owusu, speaking in an interview with Citi FM, confirmed that the union is fully prepared to proceed with the planned strike or protest, depending on the outcome of the scheduled meeting.

He emphasised the need for decisive government intervention in the fight against galamsey.

“Yes, we are going to act on our threat based on the decisions that we will take God willing when we meet our structures and we will firm up our earlier decision either to go on strike or to embark on demonstration.”

"Concerning going to the negotiation table with the government, Mr Owusu indicated “…We’ve said this, and we’ve said it over and over and I think the government is not forthcoming with answers. It is the reason we are meeting [on Tuesday] to firm up.”