In a press statement delivered today by Brother Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana, on behalf of Organised Labour, a resounding call was made for immediate government action to combat the ongoing menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The leadership of Organised Labour convened to discuss the dire consequences of illegal mining and its impact on the country’s environment, public health, and economic sustainability.
Organised Labour expressed deep concern over the growing public discourse on the issue, noting the destruction of forest cover, water bodies, and agricultural lands. They also highlighted the severe health risks posed to communities near galamsey sites, including exposure to hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, and the increase in respiratory and waterborne diseases.
The statement underscored the rapid depletion of Ghana’s forest cover and the unprecedented pollution of its water bodies, citing the recent struggles of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). The GWCL has been unable to provide adequate water supply to towns such as Cape Coast and Elmina due to the severe contamination of the River Pra.
In 2022, the company was forced to shut down its water treatment plant in Kyebi because of the heavy pollution of the Birim River by illegal miners. The cost of treating water has skyrocketed, with Ghana now facing the potential need to import water for household and industrial use.
In addition to environmental concerns, Organised Labour drew attention to the rising death toll among young people who lose their lives in unsafe galamsey pits, as well as the damage to agricultural productivity caused by the intensive use of mining chemicals.
Demands and Actions
Organised Labour is calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take immediate steps to address the crisis. Key demands include:
- A declaration of a State of Emergency in accordance with Articles 31 and 31(4) of the 1992 Constitution. This declaration should include:
- An immediate halt to all forms of mining (legal and illegal) in forest reserves and near water bodies.
- The immediate evacuation of all mining equipment from these areas.
- Deployment of police and military forces with orders to destroy all mining machinery near rivers and in forest reserves.
- The revocation of LI2462 and withdrawal of all prospecting and mining licenses issued for activities in forest and protected reserves, as well as near water bodies.
- The establishment of a special court to prosecute those responsible for illegal mining activities.
Organised Labour warned that if these demands are not met by the end of September 2024, they will embark on a series of demonstrations and initiate a nationwide strike. They urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to stand with them in the fight to protect the nation’s environment and future.
With the country’s ecosystem on the brink and the threat to public health and food security growing, Organised Labour has made it clear that the time for action is now. If no decisive steps are taken by the government, Ghana could soon face an environmental catastrophe of unparalleled proportions.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
