Organised Labour has found itself at the center of controversy after calling off a planned nationwide strike against galamsey, or illegal mining, with many accusing its leadership of accepting bribes from the government.
However, King Ali Awudu, president of the Coalition of Concern Teachers (CCT) and a key member of Organised Labour, has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them baseless and unfounded.
According to Awudu, Organised Labour’s actions have already led to significant progress in combating galamsey, with the government committing to revoke the Legislative Instrument (LI) that permits mining in forest reserves within a month.
This, he argues, is a tangible result of their negotiations and a clear indication that their efforts are bearing fruit.
Awudu emphasized that the decision to call off the strike was not influenced by financial gain, but rather by the progress made in addressing the issue of galamsey.
He pointed out that other organizations, including the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, have been calling for the revocation of the LI since December 2023, but to no avail. However, when Organised Labour got involved, the government took swift action, demonstrating the effectiveness of their campaign.
“It’s unfortunate that whenever somebody has a dissenting opinion, the easy thing to do is to accuse them of being bribed,” Awudu said. “But the facts speak for themselves. We’ve achieved what we set out to do, and that’s what matters.”
Awudu’s explanation has not convinced everyone, however. Prof Ransford Gyampo, President of the University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG), has expressed frustration over the decision to call off the strike, alleging that the leadership did not adequately consult with members.
“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” Gyampo said. “The leadership of Organised Labour seems to have lost touch with its members.
We were not consulted on this decision, and it’s clear that the government is trying to divide and conquer.”
Despite these criticisms, Awudu remains adamant that Organised Labour’s actions have been driven by a genuine desire to address the issue of galamsey, rather than financial gain.
He emphasized that the organization’s primary concern is the welfare of Ghanaians and the protection of the environment.
“Galamsey is a national crisis that requires a collective effort to solve,” Awudu said. “We’re committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution. Calling off the strike was not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of our commitment to finding a solution through dialogue.”
The controversy surrounding Organised Labour’s decision has sparked a wider debate about the effectiveness of strikes as a tool for social change.
While some argue that strikes are necessary to bring attention to important issues, others believe that they can be counterproductive and harm the economy.
In the case of galamsey, however, it’s clear that something needs to be done. The illegal mining practice has devastated communities and environments across Ghana, and the government’s response has been criticized as inadequate.
Organised Labour’s campaign against galamsey has brought attention to the issue and pressured the government to take action. Whether or not their decision to call off the strike was the right one remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight against galamsey is far from over.
As Ghanaians continue to grapple with the devastating effects of galamsey, it’s clear that a collective effort is needed to address this national crisis. Organised Labour, the government, and other stakeholders must work together to find a lasting solution that prioritizes the welfare of Ghanaians and the protection of the environment.
Only time will tell if Organised Labour’s decision to call off the strike was the right one. However, one thing is certain: the fight against galamsey will continue, and Organised Labour will remain a key player in this critical national conversation.
