GNASSM Calls On Gov’t To Dialogue With Organized Labour On Their Strike On October 10
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The leadership of Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has called on the government to as a matter of national interest dialogue with the Organized Labour over their decision to embark on a strike coming 10th October 2024 over the banning of illegal mining activities that have destroyed our water bodies and forest reserves in the country.
This was revealed in a press conference organised by the association in the Ashanti Region-Miklin Hotel.
Addressing the media, the general secretary of the association, Godwin Armah, tasked the government to see the need for dialogue with organized Labour considering the magnitude which the strike would cause the country when it comes off.
“Illegal mining is illegal and no one is in support of illegal mining”. Its unwavering devastation nature is a cause for worry.
The country is on a balance wall and will not be in the interest of the nation for organized Labour to embark on their strike.
However, the government should consider the outburst of Ghanaians who are calling for measures to mitigate the illegal mining activities in the country.
That notwithstanding, they appeal again to the government to help the association with available logistics and personnel to help in reclaiming pits being dug on roads and water bodies.
Godwin Armah noted, that the association has over the years contributed immensely to preventing illegal mining activities and their destructive nature on water bodies and forest reserves.
He noted that politics have contributed significantly to destroying some institutional sectors in the country and will plead with politicians to ensure they limit politics in sectors that contribute to the country’s growth and development.
Mr Armah stated that the small-scale mining sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 40% of gold being exported.
The sector, Godwin Armah noted, creates over 1 million direct and 4 million indirect job opportunities for the teeming youth.
The general secretary however appeals to the government to consider granting mining licenses for mining operations in forest reserves.
Additionally, illegal mining is illegal and there are sanctions prescribed under the Minerals and Mining Act,2006 (703) as amended, the government should do well through their agencies to ensure the laws are enforced.
