The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has announced its decision to boycott the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
The Committee was scheduled to meet with various stakeholder groups, including organized labour, faith-based organizations, and NGOs, to review efforts in combating the illegal mining crisis.
However, GFL Secretary-General Mr Abraham Koomson stated that the federation will not participate in the meeting, criticizing the Committee’s approach.
According to Koomson, the situation requires immediate action, not dialogue with stakeholders.
“People are dying because of poisonous substances in their bodies arising from drinking contaminated water. Instead of taking decisive action, the Committee is behaving as if it is negotiating for wage increments,” Koomson said in an interview with Accra-based Joy FM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
He emphasized that the illegal mining activities, particularly in areas heavily affected by galamsey, have caused severe environmental and health issues, yet the Committee seems focused on discussions rather than urgent solutions.
Koomson warned that no GFL member would attend the meeting and urged other organized labour groups not to deviate from their earlier stance on the galamsey issue.
He explained that the GFL’s decision to distance itself from the meeting is to pressure the government to take action in the fight against the galamsey menace.
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