Government spokesperson on Governance and Security Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has expressed confidence that they will engage with organised labour before their proposed strike on October 10, 2024.
The strike is aimed at forcing the government to take decisive action to combat the galamsey (illegal mining) menace, which is threatening water bodies across the country.
Speaking on October 2, Dr Boakye-Danquah was optimistic that the proposed industrial action could be averted through timely government intervention.
According to him, government is working on addressing the concerns raised by organised labour, and he is hopeful that a resolution will be reached before the strike date.
“I am confident that organised labour will hear from the government before the 10th of October,” Dr Boakye-Danquah said.
“I’m sure the strike will not need to happen, especially when the government is preparing to give some timing, some responses to their concerns. This is a very difficult time, and we all feel the pressure.”
He explained that the government’s response to the ongoing galamsey problem is a pressing issue affecting all Ghanaians, and acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“The choice of addressing galamsey affects every single Ghanaian. We are all under pressure to deal with this menace,” he said.
When asked to clarify why the timing is so challenging for the government, Dr Boakye-Danquah pointed out that managing the expectations of organised labour during periods of strikes or demonstrations adds significant pressure on the government.
“These are difficult times for the government, and clearly, labour is asking for very decisive decisions to be made within the shortest possible time,” he explained.
He reiterated that the government is not in support of illegal mining, noting that President Nana Akufo-Addo had previously declared that he was willing to put his presidency on the line to tackle galamsey.
Organised Labour’s Demands: State of Emergency and Legal Revisions
Addressing the specific demands of organised labour, Dr Boakye-Danquah revealed that the labour unions had called for decisive government action, including a review of laws and even a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey.
“I looked at the letter that organised labour wrote in September, and one of the things they asked for was a major state of emergency to be declared and also asked for a review of the provisions in LI 240,” he said.
The spokesperson assured the public that the government is working diligently to meet these demands and will reach out to organised labour soon with a response.
“I am positive government will reach out to them soon,” Dr. Boakye-Danquah affirmed, concluding his remarks with optimism that the issue could be resolved before the October 10 deadline.
