The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has announced that its members will continue providing full medical services despite the upcoming nationwide industrial action scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024.
GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour clarified that the association has not declared a roadmap for industrial action and expects all members to maintain uninterrupted services.
In a show of solidarity, the GMA supports Organised Labour’s campaign against illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.” However, the GMA will not join the strike at this time.
Dr. Serebour noted that the National Executive Council will provide further information when necessary.
The government expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with the strike, given ongoing negotiations and efforts to address illegal mining.
In response, the government plans to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023, to intensify enforcement against illegal mining in protected areas.
Government Measures Against Illegal Mining: Revoke Environmental Protection Regulations: The government will revoke L.I. 2462 to crack down on illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies. – Empower Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies will take action against illegal mining activities in protected areas.
Swift Adjudication: The Attorney-General and Chief Justice will ensure swift court proceedings for illegal mining cases.
Presidential Candidate Pact: The government supports a proposal requiring presidential candidates to commit to fighting illegal mining.
The government’s stance on illegal mining was outlined in a statement by Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar on October 7, emphasizing the need for unified national action against the environmental devastation caused by galamsey.
University of Ghana Teachers Join Nationwide Strike
The University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UGUTAG) has voted overwhelmingly to join Organised Labour’s planned industrial action on October 10.
In a decisive vote, 355 members (80.14%) supported the strike, while 88 members (19.86%) opposed it ¹. Professor Ransford Gyampo, President of UGUTAG, has been vocal about the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis.
He criticized the government’s inaction, citing the need for more decisive measures to combat illegal mining in an interview with Eyewitness News on Citi FM.
Background of Labour Agitations
The strike is a response to the government’s failure to meet Organised Labour’s demands for a total ban on mining and a state of emergency to combat galamsey.
This comes after a closed-door meeting between President Akufo-Addo and Organised Labour leaders, where the President requested more time to address the issue.
Galamsey Crisis
Galamsey has ravaged Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests, posing significant threats to the country’s ecosystem and economic stability.
The issue has become a contentious point in the upcoming presidential elections, with various candidates offering differing solutions.
Labour Unions’ Demands Organised Labour’s demands include:
Total ban on mining – State of emergency to combat galamsey – Alternative livelihoods for affected communities – Intensified enforcement against galamsey
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has also directed its members to continue providing full services despite the strike, while other labour unions, such as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, are expected to join the strike.