Organized labor has decided to suspend the nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024. The decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders assessed the situation and agreed to call off the industrial action. The decision was made following assurances from the government to address illegal mining. Organized labor noted that the government has taken significant steps, including increasing the Operational Halt initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces, to combat illegal mining activities in forest reserves.
In a media briefing, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, explained that the decision was made to allow Labour to observe the government’s implementation of these measures. The strike, which had garnered the backing of various unions, was intended to pressure the government to take decisive action on illegal mining (galamsey) and other pressing issues.
Organised Labour had initially planned the indefinite strike to compel the government to declare a state of emergency and ramp up efforts to address the environmental devastation caused by galamsey.
Despite widespread support from key unions, including the Public Utility Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) had distanced themselves from the industrial action, opting instead to continue providing essential healthcare services.
The decision to suspend the strike comes as a surprise to many, as unions had appeared resolute in their stance during previous meetings and public statements. Organised Labour stated that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to protecting workers’ rights and addressing the illegal mining crisis.
