Doctors will not join Organised Labour’s strike against 'galamsey'

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has indicated that its members will not participate in the nationwide strike action declared by Organised Labour in protest against illegal mining (galamsey).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the GMA President, Dr. Frank Serebour expressed the association's support for the cause but urged all GMA members to continue providing full services at health facilities across the country.

Organised Labour has scheduled the nationwide strike against illegal mining for October 10, 2024.

Why Organised Labour's strike? 

The Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah has indicated that the planned strike will take place as planned. 

He said this after the government has appealed to the association to reconsider its position as government institutes measures to deal with the menace. 

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Oct 7, 2024, he said unless the government takes decisive action, Organised Labour will go ahead with the nationwide strike.

"We have concluded as follows: our strike remains unchanged..., we are of the view that what the government has proposed does not adequately address our demands, and therefore our notice of strike remains unchanged." he stated.

The demands of Organised Labour include the declaration of a state of emergency on all forms of small-scale mining, the implementation of stronger regulatory measures to protect water bodies, and the revocation of L.I. 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves.

The unions have argued that the current laws are inadequate and that the government needs to adopt a more aggressive stance to ensure compliance and protect the country's natural resources.

"While the President has shown some commitment, we need more than just promises… We need action, and until we see concrete steps being taken, our position remains unchanged. We cannot sit by while our environment is destroyed, and we will not compromise on the future of our natural resources," Mr Ansah said.

The decision follows a meeting with President Akufo-Addo, during which the government reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal mining, locally known as galamsey and also asked for more time to deal with the issue.

However, the union leaders say the measures promised are insufficient to address the crisis and the broader concerns that have been raised.

Meanwhile, a faction calling itself "Concerned Members of Organised Labour" has called on the leadership to reconsider their stance, urging further dialogue with the government.

They believe that suspending the strike to allow more time for meaningful negotiations could yield better outcomes for both the environment and the welfare of labour members. 

They argue that a more inclusive approach would strengthen the movement's unity and ensure that all voices are heard.