By Godwill Arthur- Mensah
Accra, Oct.08, GNA– The government has expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with the planned industrial action on October 10, 2024, despite its assurances to address the ongoing illegal mining problem.
The front held a closed-door meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Thursday, at which the government outlined various measures that would be implemented in the coming months to tackle the vexed issue.
But the TUC and affiliates Monday said the strike would proceed on October 10, 2024, as planned.
It said the measures proposed by the government did not adequately address Organised Labour’s demands, and “therefore our notice of strike remains unchanged.”
A statement issued by Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar on Monday night expressed the government’s shock that Organised Labour opted to move forward with the strike action after discussions with the President.
She, however, reiterated the government’s commitment to engage in constructive dialogue with Organised Labour and other stakeholders to find solutions to the illegal mining issue.
Outlining the results of the meeting between the President and Organised Labour, the Minister stated that they discussed the long-standing issue of illegal mining, reviewed the current situation, and assessed the government’s efforts to date.
The meeting concluded with an agreement for the government to collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal small-scale mining.
The statement noted that the government agreed to take steps, when Parliament reconvenes this month, to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation, 2023 (L.I. 2462).
It also mentioned that the government would intensify its enforcement measures, particularly regarding the prohibition of illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.
The statement emphasised that water bodies and forest reserves remained Red Zones for mining, prohibiting all forms of mining, including reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and small-scale mining, in those areas.
It also noted that law enforcement agencies are fully empowered to eliminate all forms of mining from water bodies and forest reserves.
The statement indicated that the Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure the swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.
It said the government supported the call for all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining to depoliticize the issue.
The statement said the government remained committed to fighting the illegal mining menace and called on all stakeholders to join the fight.
GNA