The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on its members to “continue providing full services without interruptions,” despite the upcoming nationwide industrial action announced by Organised Labour, which is set to commence on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour clarified, “The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has not declared a roadmap for industrial action. Therefore, all members are expected to continue providing full services without interruptions.”
He also expressed the GMA’s solidarity with Organised Labour in its campaign against illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” but emphasized that the GMA would not be joining the strike yet.
“The GMA, however, is in solidarity with Organised Labour in this fight against galamsey. The National Executive Council (NEC) will provide further information when necessary,” Dr. Serebour added.
The government on Monday expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with the strike, despite ongoing negotiations and efforts to address the illegal mining issue.
The government announced plans to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462) when Parliament reconvenes later this month, as part of its broader strategy to intensify enforcement against illegal mining, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves, which are classified as “Red Zones.”
A statement signed by Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar on Monday, October 7, outlined the government’s stance on illegal mining. The statement emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been fully empowered to crack down on illegal mining activities within these protected areas.
Additionally, the Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of cases related to illegal mining, reinforcing the government’s determination to curb the environmental devastation caused by the practice.
The government also expressed its support for a proposal requiring all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining, aiming to depoliticize the issue and foster unified national action against the menace.
