Galamsey Fight Call OFF Nationwide Strike Small Scale Miners Tell Organized Labour

Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has, on Tuesday October 8, 2024, pleaded with Organsied labour to revoke the announcement of their intended nationwide strike action in pursing the fight against the menace of illegal mining.

The strike by Orgainsied labour which is scheduled to take place from October 10, 2024, has been met with several appeals from both government and some individuals who are of the view that, the fight against galamsey will not be won through a nationwide strike action.

Recent groups to join in the call is the Association of Small scale miners who have expressed concerns over the extensive economic impact the industrial strike will have should all forms of mining be halted, as is the request from Orgainsied Labour.

The group has rather encouraged Organised Labour to persist engaging the government in discussions towards finding a lasting and sustainable solution to the galamsey canker.   

At a press conference in Kumasi, the General Secretary of GNASSM, Godwin Amarh said the discussion must also respect the role of all relevant technical as well as regulatory institutions devoid of political partisanship.

GNASSM has, therefore proposed as well as decided to support the galamsey fight by deploying a taskforce to illegal mining sites to arrest miners polluting water bodies, calling for the support of government in terms of personnel and logistics.

Again, government must re-examine the granting of mining licenses for mining operators in forest reserves.

Mr. Armah stated, “Illegal mining or galamsey is an illegality and there are sanctions prescribed under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006(703) as amended. Government should through its agencies enforce these laws.”

The General Secretary reminded the public on the importance of small-scale mining, claiming they contribute about 40 per cent to GDP growth through merchandised exports, “there are about four million Ghanaians employed in the small-scale business and from January to August, a report from Minerals Commission indicated US$2.7 billion was generated from the mining sector”.



Kobina Darlington/