NPP Running Mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has criticized Organized Labour and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for their threats of a strike against the government concerning illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
Although Organized Labour initially announced a nationwide strike, it was ultimately thwarted when some members opted not to participate. However, UTAG, which is part of Organized Labour, has chosen to proceed with its strike action.
In contrast, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and certain factions within UTAG have urged their leadership to reconsider and cancel the strike. These protests and strikes were aimed at pressuring the President to halt all mining operations across the nation.
During an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as “NAPO,” raised concerns about the credibility of Organized Labour regarding the galamsey issue, questioning their silence when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated efforts against illegal mining before the 2020 elections.
Did you hear NDC supporting Nana Addo’s relentless fight on illegal mining? Did you hear any Organized Labour issue support?.
Now, they claim Catholic Priests are marching; they are all instigated marches. Where were they when Nana Addo put his Presidency and his party suffered because of that to protect the environment. I didn’t hear Organized Labour. I didn’t hear UTAG.
The first illegal strike that we have seen in this country is from Organized Labour. When we mention Organized Labour, it is a combination of private and public sector workers. To say they should go on demonstration for 3 months, do you want factories to collapse?
