Disqualified People’s National Convention (PNC) presidential candidate Bernard Mornah has expressed strong disappointment with Organised Labour for calling off its nationwide strike against illegal mining (galamsey), stating that the decision fell short of public expectations.
Speaking during the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra’s protest walk against galamsey on October 11, Mornah argued that the strike, if continued, would have applied significant pressure on the government to address the environmental crisis caused by illegal mining.
Mornah believes that by ending the strike prematurely, Organised Labour let down many Ghanaians who had placed their hopes in the action as a way to compel authorities to take decisive action against galamsey.
The Catholic Archdiocese’s protest, which Mornah participated in, comes amid growing calls from civil society and religious groups for a stronger response to illegal mining, which continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies and farmlands.
“This is the way, and the Catholic Church I must commend, they have taken this stand at a time when labour unions have shown so much disorganization.
On Friday, October 11, Catholic worshippers took to Accra’s principal streets for a protest walk against galamsey, earning applause from Bernard Monarh for their bold stance.
This move by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra was particularly notable given Organised Labour’s decision to call off its strike, citing the government’s new promises to address the issue.
The protest, which began at Holy Spirit Cathedral and ended at Christ the King Parish, aimed to pressure the government into taking decisive action against galamsey. A petition was also presented to President Akufo-Addo, urging swift action to address the crisis.
