The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has reaffirmed GNAT’s commitment to join Organised Labour in a planned strike against illegal and irresponsible mining, scheduled for October 10.
In an exclusive interview with Citi News’ Jude Duncan in Accra, Musah stated that despite a recent meeting between Organised Labour and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, they are determined to proceed with their protest.
During the meeting on October 3, the President appealed to Organised Labour to exercise patience as the government works towards a lasting solution to the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
However, Organised Labour is demanding decisive action, including declaring a state of emergency in all mining areas, revoking the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) regulations of 2022, withdrawing all licenses for mining in forest reserves, and setting up special courts to prosecute offenders.
Musah, who did not attend the meeting with the President, emphasized that GNAT remains steadfast in their demands. He stressed that the consequences of delaying action are dire. “What’s the definition of more time, with the people dying, what will happen to them? It is for us to make a decision; it is between life and death,” he said.
He further reiterated that GNAT fully supports Organised Labour’s call for a state of emergency on illegal mining. “We have all agreed, and that is what GNAT is standing by,” Musah affirmed.
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