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| Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Kantamah |
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has been a persistent issue in Ghana, with past and present government struggling to eradicate it.
Despite the current government's efforts, including putting their political positions on the line, galamsey remains a significant problem.
Organized labor's planned strike may worsen the situation, particularly if health sector unions like the Ghana Medical Association, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association etc. join, potentially leading to more deaths due to lack of medical attention.
Instead of a strike, organized labor could focus on community engagement and mobilization to address galamsey's root causes. This could involve engaging with local leaders to rally support, educating communities about the dangers of galamsey, and promoting alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on illegal mining.
Effective strategies to combat galamsey include:
Engaging local leaders and communities to build a coalition against galamsey
Educating communities about the environmental and health impacts of galamsey
Promoting sustainable economic initiatives to provide alternative sources of income
By taking these steps, organized labor can effectively combat galamsey without harming innocent citizens. A strike would only serve political interests, rather than addressing the real issues. It's crucial to recognize that galamsey is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach, similar to how addressing migration requires tackling root causes like economic insecurity, corruption, and human rights issues.
It's not too late for the leadership to have another look at their intended strike considering the fragile nature of our economy as a country.
Nuhu Kantamah Abdul Ganiyu
Assemblyman Zongo/Langbanto E.A.-West Gonja Municipal
