The galamsey debacle has dominated media and public discussions ever since the 2024 political campaigns took the home stretch.  Admittedly, every genuine Ghanaian knows that when it comes to galamsey and its detrimental effects, it cannot be business as usual. We would need bold and innovative approaches to ensure that we remedy the many ills that come with galamsey. What we do not need are the machinations and pretense of political actors, who in their time in office, did everything that should not be done by a responsible government in protecting the environment, and who in their time in opposition, did everything to thwart genuine efforts by government to save our forests and river bodies. For them, it is always political power, nothing more. Which brings me to my topic today, and why I am surprised organized labour (or part of it) is falling for the devious intentions of the Mahama-led NDC and neutrals of doubtful integrity and moral conduct.

At face value, the spike in galamsey agitations appears to be  a division between those who are genuinely interested in preserving our environment and survival, and those who are unconcerned. But, obviously, it’s a division between opportunists searching for parochial gains no matter the costs, and government that is keen to ensure that the nation doesn’t rush into yet another failed approach to  tackling the menace. I have not found any single compelling reason and convincing argument by those stampeding government to declare a state of emergency less than 3 months into a general election. It is almost like the must-say thing if one was to be seen or heard in national matters. What would a state of emergency do to stop the menace? Didn’t this same group looked on when the opposition NDC went into mining areas accusing government of high-handedness in the galamsey fight?  I am aware of the lazy argument that it is government’s responsibility to tackle the issue no matter the political consequences. This is true, and government has demonstrated this, with the President even going as far as putting his Presidency on the line.  The governing party paid dearly by losing many seats in mining areas whilst the pseudo-neutrals and the opposition NDC jubilated. If there was ever any example of a government that places long-term interests of the nation above short-term political gains, it is this one demonstrated by the NPP government.  Sadly, this gesture by the government did not lay the grounds for all Ghanaians to demand lasting solutions and calling out all those seeking to profit from the crisis. One would therefore not begrudge the government if it insists on developing a national consensus rather than pander to the contrived parochial interests of a desperate opposition party with the tacit complicity of their allies.

The spike in agitations has predictably created new activists and show boys from Civil Society to academia, with one noted academic with dubious and disgraceful moral CV spearheading the NDC’s proxy war without the courage to even pretend to question the galamsey credentials of the discredited political party. Even strikingly alarming is the endorsement of lawlessness and anarchy that have come to be the signature identifiers of the so-called galamsey crusaders. It is an exceptional skill to be able to demand that one wrong is eradicated whilst at the same time endorsing another. It is therefore surprising that organized labour, which is an essential partner in nation building, would seek to join the chorus without evaluating the many shades of the issue. Why will organized labour want Medical Doctors to sit at home because lives are being threatened by galamsey activities? Is organized labour unperturbed about the implications on productivity for the proposed industrial action?  Isn’t legitimate that  people should question the silence of organized labour about the unpatriotic conduct of Mr. Mahama and all individuals seeking to take advantage of this moment? Whilst organized Labour rebuts any accusations of pollical motives behind the intended action, it still begs the question why leadership of organized labour only found the courage now. The timing is too close to assure any neutral observer that the leadership of organized labour is neutral.  

The fight against galamsey should be a genuine one. It should be about our future and should not be dictated by a political party with appalling records of handling any national crisis. Let the whole nation come to accept that we have a crisis that must be handled with determination and sincerity devoid of emotions and partisan recklessness. It is a fight that must be directed at government and the opposition, and all Ghanaians.  We want a Ghana where everyone is a lot more responsible and sincere about a serious environmental and health crisis. And so, whilst I salute the patriotism of the Ghana Medical Association, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association, and many others,  I conclude by saying Organized Labour must decline the invitation by opportunists and anarchists to disorganize the Country.