Disregard Akufo-Addo’s Plea on Galamsey Strike – Ansah-Asare to Organised Labour

A former director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has called on Organised Labour to disregard President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s appeal to halt its upcoming nationwide strike against illegal mining (galamsey). The strike, set for October 10, is in protest of the destructive impact illegal mining continues to have on Ghana’s environment.

President Akufo-Addo, in a closed-door meeting with Organised Labour leaders on October 3, urged them to reconsider their strike, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to tackling the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining activities. The president emphasized the urgency of addressing the galamsey issue and stressed that decisive action was necessary.

However, Ansah-Asare criticised the president for what he described as an insincere approach to resolving the problem. He referenced Akufo-Addo’s previous promise to “put his presidency on the line” in the fight against galamsey, accusing him of failing to deliver on this commitment. “On assumption of office, he said he would put his presidency on the line… We have asked him to apologise but he hasn’t,” Ansah-Asare remarked.

With only weeks remaining in Akufo-Addo’s presidency, Ansah-Asare questioned the president’s ability to implement any meaningful reforms before his term ends. He further suggested that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should now be steering the country’s affairs. “He has only eight weeks left… He shouldn’t be asking Organised Labour to do anything,” Ansah-Asare stated.

In light of these criticisms, Ansah-Asare advised Organised Labour to move forward with their planned strike, expressing doubt that the president would fulfil any promises in the remaining weeks of his administration. According to Ansah-Asare, the government’s efforts to address galamsey have been lacking in sincerity, and Organised Labour should proceed according to its established timetable.