A significant portion of Ghanaian workers is expected to be absent from work starting on October 10, 2024, following the declaration of a nationwide strike by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The TUC’s decision stems from the government’s failure to respond to their ultimatum to cease all forms of mining in forest reserves across the country.
Earlier, the TUC outlined three key demands, including the immediate removal of mining equipment from forest reserves and areas surrounding water bodies. They also called for the deployment of police and military forces with clear instructions to dismantle or destroy any mining and earth-moving equipment near rivers and within forest reserves.
The union’s concerns have intensified after public outrage erupted in response to JoyNews’ recent hotline documentaries, which highlighted the severe pollution of rivers caused by illegal mining activities.
After a week of waiting, organized labor claims the government has not taken any action to address the issue.
TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah emphasized that the unions remain firm in their decision to go on strike, effective October 10, 2024.