Ban all forms of small-scale mining for five years to retore the environment and water bodies – Gamey

A Labour expert Austin Gamey has said the only remaining force to ensure that the President acts against illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) is organised labour.

To him, all the other forces that could compel the president to act had failed. Mr Gamey therefore impressed upon the labour unions not to also fail the people.

Speaking on the Big Issue on TV3 on Tuesday, October 8, he suggested to the government to “ban small-scale mining for at least five years to restore the environment.”

Members of Organised Labour have resolved to proceed with the nationwide strike on October 10 despite being urged by President Akufo-Addo to give him more time to address their concerns during a meeting on October 4.

According to Joshua Ansah the strike will happen if government does not ban illegal mining.

“The president discussed the issues with us and our demand is that and what he is able to do is what he has told us, if nothing happens, we will proceed with our strike,” he stressed.

Other labour union leaders asked President Akufo-Addo to announce the total ban before Thursday, October 10.

The government has however expressed surprise at the decision of organised labour to strike over galamsey.

A statement issued by the Minister of Information Fatimatu Abubakar in reaction to the decision of the unions to strike indicated that ” Following the call by Organised Labour and other stakeholders on Government to take action on the menace of illegal small-scale mining in the country, the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, convened a meeting with Organised Labour on Thursday, 3rd October, 2024 at the Jubilee House.

The meeting discussed the long-standing issue of illegal mining, reviewed the situation and Government’s effort thus far. It was agreed between the parties that:

Government will collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.

Government will take steps, when Parliament reconvenes, this month, to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462).

Government would ramp up its enforcement measures, particularly as it relates to prohibiting illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.

Water bodies and Forest Reserves remain Red Zones for mining, and all forms of mining in water bodies, as well as reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration and/or small scale mining in Forest Reserves remain banned. Law enforcement agencies of the State are fully mandated to rid our water bodies and Forest Reserves of all forms of mining.”

The statement added “The Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases. Government supports the call for all Presidential Candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining so as to depoliticise this national problem.

“In light of the above, Government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed on an industrial action from 10th October, 2024. Government will, however, continue to engage Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue in finding solutions for this national menace. Government reiterates its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight.”

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