Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has dismissed concerns that Organised Labour’s suspension of its strike has weakened Ghanaians’ resolve in the fight against illegal mining.
Dr. Ashigbey clarified that while Organised Labour’s involvement is important, it is not the sole force driving the campaign against galamsey. He acknowledged the significant contributions of various media outlets, such as Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, which have long championed the cause.
His remarks come in the wake of Organised Labour’s unexpected decision to suspend its planned industrial action, originally set for October 10.
The suspension followed assurances from the government that it would take steps to address the galamsey crisis, a move that has sparked mixed reactions among the public.
Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Dr. Ashigbey emphasized the Media Coalition Against Galamsey’s enduring commitment to the fight against illegal mining, which dates back to 2016.
He also suggested that Organised Labour’s relatively recent involvement in the movement may explain their decision to suspend the strike, while reaffirming that the coalition remains steadfast in its mission.
He reassured the public that the fight against galamsey will continue, with or without the participation of Organised Labour, highlighting the collective efforts of civil society, media, and concerned citizens in pushing for lasting change.
However, Dr. Ashigbey stressed the urgent need to intensify the campaign against illegal mining, recognizing the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and forests.
“We have been fighting this thing since 2016, even before this government came to power and so, well, you can forgive Organised Labour, they just joined recently.
“But when you hear the statement UTAG put out, it tells you the mood of what it is. But it is what it is. It was not as if Organised Labour was the be make it for us [be-all]. The intention of the Media Coalition and extension the Ghana Coalition is to stop galamsey. So, whatever tools that we were going to use to be able to do that. We will continue to do it.
“And what has really brought us where we are is not Organised Labour, it’s the fact the Citi Breakfast show wakes up every morning and takes this issue. It’s the fact that you find the Joy FM morning show, all the media have been fighting it.
“So Organised Labour said they are now part of the government’s efforts to go and fight it. So what we will do is to say to everybody that [on Thursday] red day is more urgent than any time in our lives, now we need to bring the pressure to bear on the things the government said it was going to do,” he told host Bernard Avle.
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