In a bid to address escalating tensions surrounding illegal mining, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to organised labour to reconsider its planned strike set for October 10.
This appeal was made during a closed-door meeting on Thursday, October 3, with union leaders, where the need for decisive government action against illegal mining dominated the discussion.
Sources from the meeting indicated that the President urged organised labour to postpone their strike, requesting additional time to adequately respond to their demands.
Frustration within organised labour has been growing, as members perceive the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining as lacking.
The unions argue that immediate and effective measures are crucial to protecting Ghana’s natural resources from further degradation.
Analysts caution that a nationwide strike by organised labour could have dire consequences, risking a significant disruption across various sectors of the economy.
The potential for widespread unrest highlights the urgency of finding a resolution to the ongoing issue.
In response to the escalating tensions, President Akufo-Addo has committed to convening another meeting with organised labour next week to continue discussions and seek collaborative solutions.
A source close to the situation told Channel One TV’s Sammi Wiafe that the President’s willingness to engage in dialogue reflects an understanding of the seriousness of the matter and the necessity for cooperation between the government and labour organizations.
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