The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has called on Organised Labour to reconsider its planned nationwide strike, set for October 10.
Organised Labour’s decision to strike stems from the government’s failure to meet its demands, which include a total ban on small-scale mining and the declaration of a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
GNASSM has expressed concern that the strike would exacerbate Ghana’s already fragile economy. Instead of resorting to strike action, the association urged Organised Labour to collaborate with the government to find lasting solutions to the galamsey crisis.
During a press conference held on October 3, in Kumasi, GNASSM emphasised the potentially devastating economic impact of the strike, cautioning against actions that could harm the country further.
The association proposed a bipartisan approach to address the galamsey menace, advocating for regulated small-scale mining rather than an outright ban.
GNASSM believes that by working together, stakeholders can develop sustainable solutions to combat illegal mining while preserving jobs and livelihoods within the small-scale mining sector.
“We will plead with the Organized Labour to reconsider their decision to embark on a nationwide strike which will affect our already fragile economy but rather lead in the discussion and finding lasting and sustainable solutions to the illegal mining that will not be politically lead but technical and professionally lead.”
The Association stressed that tackling the galamsey menace requires a collaborative, bipartisan approach, bringing together stakeholders from across the political spectrum.
“There should be a bipartisan approach in dealing with the illegal mining menace. Those who are politicking with the issue for their own selfish gain should know that it is not the solution issue but rather a path to our destruction as a people because if we don’t have water there is no life.”
GNASSM called on the government to as a matter of urgency deploy personnel to water bodies to curb ongoing pollution at the various water bodies.
“We are calling the government as a matter of urgency to deploy personnel to the water bodies to curb the ongoing pollution and GNASSM will support in whatever form or shape.
“Government should reconsider permitting entities to work in the forest reserves. If the companies are not working in accordance with the condition of their permit requirement then it should be revoked.”
Read below the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners’s press conference statement
Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners
Venue: Miklin Hotel, Kumasi
PRESS CONFERENCE
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners have noticed how some sections of the media and some groups of Ghanaians are twisting the Press Statement by the Organized Labor which was released on the 1st of October 2024. The statement did not say anything about banning all forms of small-scale mining but rather the inaction of the government in dealing with the illegal mining activities (galamsey) hence their intended strike from 10 October 2024.
We the small-scale miners share in the concern raised by the various CSOs, Labour Unions, Religious Bodies and Ghanaians as a whole on the pollution and destruction of our forest reserves.
The association is proposing and taking the following steps to support the Government in dealing with the issue,
- We are calling the government as a matter of urgency to deploy personnel to the water bodies to curb the ongoing pollution and GNASSM will support in whatever form or shape.
- The government should reconsider permitting entities to work in the forest reserves. If the companies are not working in accordance with the condition of their permit requirement then it should be revoked
- GNASSM will deploy its task force to the water bodies to arrest these illegal miners polluting our water bodies, mining close to highways and all the fabricators of the dredgers
- Illegal mining (galamsey) is an illegality and there are sanctions prescribed under the Minerals and Mining Acts 2006 (703) as amended by Acts 995. Government should through its agencies enforce the laws.
- We will plead will plead with the Organized Labour to reconsider their decision to embark on a national wide strike which will affect our already fragile economy but rather lead in discussion and finding lasting and sustainable solutions to the illegal mining that will not be politically lead but technical and professionally lead,
- The should be a bipartisan approach in dealing with the illegal mining menace. Those who are politicking with the issue for their own selfish gain should know that it is not the solution issue but rather a path to our destruction as a people because when we if don’t have water there is no life.
Once again we know the importance of the small-scale mining sector which contributes over 8.4 per cent to GDP and 40 per cent of our merchandised export. It also provides job opportunities to many and an estimated 1 million directly and indirectly 4 million people depend on the sector. The supply of raw gold for value addition by our local jewellers and downstream job opportunities.
Unemployment is a security threat and food and water shortage; environmental destruction is a security risk therefore we should find a win-win solution to address these concerns on all fronts.
The Association believes that the interest shown by Ghanaians and the pressure on the government to act has provided an opportunity to deal with the illegal mining activities once and for all.
Thank you.
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