With less than 24 hours before the planned strike, Organised Labour has decided to cancel its October 10 protest after several unions opted out.
The demonstration aimed to pressure the government into declaring a state of emergency to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and protect the country’s water bodies.
While numerous health sector unions expressed their support for Organised Labour’s objectives, they confirmed their non-participation in the strike.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) showed solidarity with the movement but announced it would not take part in the planned action. GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour reiterated that the association had not organized any industrial action and encouraged members to continue providing uninterrupted medical services.
Similarly, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) confirmed its decision to abstain from the nationwide anti-galamsey strike.
Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, also warned his employees against joining the strike, stating that the issues raised are national in nature and do not directly affect GIHOC. He made it clear that any staff member who participated in the strike would face dismissal.
Additionally, Isaac Amoo, Board Chair of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT), issued a stern warning to GMeT employees, emphasizing that participation in the strike is strictly prohibited and that anyone who defies this directive would be considered to have terminated their employment.
These organizations underscored their vital role in ensuring healthcare delivery while expressing solidarity with the movement against illegal small-scale mining. In light of the withdrawals and a public appeal for unions to reconsider their stance and engage in discussions with the government, Organised Labour has officially suspended its strike.
This was announced by the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Joshua Ansah on Wednesday.
Speaking in Accra, the Congress indicated that the decision followed a meeting with the government, during which the administration offered enhanced measures to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.
