The Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga, has encouraged organised labour to move forward with their planned nationwide strike against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, despite President Akufo-Addo’s recent appeals for restraint.
He said the president’s current approach to the labour union’s threats was merely a strategy to delay action.
“I would like to thank and congratulate organised labour for being courageous and able to stand for the masses for the right thing to be done and for Ghanaians.
“Currently, you will realise that all Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is seeking to do in this current labour union’s threat is just to buy time. He is only interested in buying time from now to December 7,” Mr Ayariga said on Channel One TV.
He further urged organised labour not to give in to the government’s attempts to stall progress.
“So I beg and plead, please do not capitulate, please do not relent. The country is already shut down,” he stressed.
TUC Vice Chairman, Ken Tweneboah Koduah, who confirmed the decision, said the strike remains on track despite ongoing discussions with the government.
He noted that TUC has already begun engaging its members in preparation for the strike.
“Nothing has changed from the last publication. I can assure you that our strike is on course… we stand very firm and unshaken on this,” Mr Koduah said.
He added, “As it stands today, there is no official response to us. We are meeting on Monday to consider what will come from the President, and the whole world will know what it is. We are not doing this for ourselves—that I can assure you.”