Ablakwa backs Organised Labour’s call for urgent action against galamsey

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has urged the government to take decisive action against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Metro TV on Friday, October 4, 2024, Mr Ablakwa commended organised labour for pushing the government to confront the galamsey issue, calling the meeting a critical moment in the fight against illegal mining.

He noted that the labour unions acted in the national interest by advocating for measures to protect Ghana’s natural resources, especially its water bodies, which have been heavily polluted by galamsey activities.

While Ablakwa acknowledged that the meeting between the president and labour leaders was a positive step, he emphasised that more concrete action is necessary to address the problem.

Organised labour has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike to protest the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis, which has severely impacted water bodies and the environment across Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo met with labour leaders to address their grievances and prevent industrial action.

One of Organised Labour’s central demand is the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in mining areas to halt the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

Mr Ablakwa condemned the Akufo-Addo administration for its perceived inaction regarding what he termed a “mass murder” caused by illegal mining activities.

He highlighted the government’s failure to address rising turbidity levels in water sources, which the Ghana Water Company warns may lead to a future where Ghana has to import water due to contamination. “The government appears to be complicit in this crisis, focusing more on retaining political power than on protecting the lives of Ghanaians,” he asserted.

He outlined urgent measures he believes the government should implement to effectively combat the galamsey crisis. He called for an immediate end to the harassment of anti-galamsey protesters and the dismissal of regional ministers and district chief executives who have failed to curb illegal mining. Ablakwa also stressed the need for military personnel to protect vital rivers and forests from encroachment, as well as a comprehensive medical program for those affected by the health hazards posed by illegal mining operations.

Nana Akomea, Vice Chairman of the Bawumia Campaign Team, acknowledged the need for urgent action and emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the situation.

“The President is in discussions with Organised Labour, and I believe concrete action will follow,” Nana Akomea stated, urging all parties to avoid politicising the issue.