Some Concerned Members Of Organized Labour Says Their Leaders Are Politically Motivated On The Plan Strike On Mining Ban
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Some members of Organized Labour has expressed their disappointment about their leadership intentions to embark on strike to commpel government to ban illegal mining activities in the country.
The group in a press conference to press down their disappointment noted that, their leaders is misguided, political motivated and does not represent the views of them.
Read full statement of the press:
PRESS STATEMENT BY CONCERNED MEMBERS OF ORGANIZED LABOUR ON PROPOSED NATIONWIDE STRIKE AND DEMONSTRATION
For Immediate Release
Date: 03/10/2024.
We, the concerned non-partisan members of Organized Labour, wish to express our deep concern and disappointment over the recent actions and statements by the leadership of Organized Labour, particularly the proposed nationwide strike and demonstration aimed at compelling the government to declare a state of emergency over the menace of illegal mining (galamsey). While we acknowledge the seriousness of the galamsey issue and its devastating impact on our environment and economy, we are of the firm belief that the current approach by our leadership is misguided, politically motivated, and does not represent the views of the majority of the membership of Organized Labour.
Political Exploitation of Organized Labour
It is disheartening to note that the leadership of Organized Labour, many of whom are surrogates of the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), seem to be using their positions to pursue a partisan agenda rather than addressing the genuine concerns of the working class. We, as ordinary members, are not opposed to efforts to fight the galamsey menace, but we believe that these efforts must be genuine, non-partisan, and in the best interest of the nation. It is important to remember that the current galamsey situation was nurtured and allowed to thrive during the NDC’s tenure in government from 2009 to 2016. It is therefore hypocritical for the same group to now exploit this issue to score political points.
Lack of Consultation and Unconscionable Actions
The leadership of Organised Labour has failed to consult the broader membership of Organized Labour before threatening a nationwide strike and demonstration. As members, we feel sidelined and believe that the leadership is taking undue advantage of their positions to advance their own political interests. The decision to strike or embark on a demonstration should be one that reflects the collective will of the membership, not the political ambitions of a few.
We find it unconscionable that leadership is attempting to push this agenda at a time when the country is barely two months away from crucial presidential and parliamentary elections. Such actions could easily lead to chaos, unrest, and a further deterioration of the political climate, which is already tense.
We only need to recall the recent Democracy Hub protests, which have received widespread condemnation for the disorder and misconduct associated with them, to understand the potential dangers of such a move.
Galamsey: A National Issue, Not a Political Tool.
The Galamsey problem is a national issue that requires a united and non-partisan front to resolve. It is not an issue to be used as a political tool to undermine the government or to rally support for any political party. We strongly advise our leadership to focus on addressing the real challenges facing workers in Ghana rather than engaging in political opportunism. The fight against galamsey should involve all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, and we should all work together to support the government in its efforts to combat this menace.
Call for Dialogue and Responsible Leadership.
We, therefore, call on the leadership of Organized Labour to:
Suspend any plans for a nationwide strike or demonstration and engage in genuine dialogue with the government on the galamsey issue, using appropriate non-partisan channels.
Respect the views of the broader membership by holding consultative meetings to ensure that any decisions made truly reflect the collective will of ‘Organized Labour’ and not the political biases of a few individuals.
Desist from politicizing national issues for the benefit of any political party and focus on championing the interests of workers, which is the core mandate of Organized Labour.
Uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in all decision-making processes to avoid further alienating the membership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we urge our leadership to reconsider their current path and to recognize that galamsey is a problem that requires national unity, not political division. As concerned members of Organized Labour, we believe that the timing and nature of the proposed actions are not in the best interest of the nation or the membership. We stand for a peaceful, responsible, and non-partisan approach to tackling the galamsey menace and protecting the future of our country.
Thank you.
Signed:
Concerned Members of Organized Labour
1. Dr. Sampson Anomah: 0245225483
2. Dr Obeng Sarpong: 0246767877
3. Dr Solomon Forkuo: 0554342103
