Organised Labour Slams Mahama During May Day Celebrations Over Galamsey
- A video of what transpired during the May Day celebrations in Accra has gone viral online
- This comes after a representative of Organised Labour, during a speech, lashed out at President Mahama, accusing him of being unable to solve the galamsey issue
- He then went on to suggest some remedial interventions that would be crucial in the fight against galamsey
Organised Labour has expressed its displeasure in the wake of the havoc caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The union made its grievances known during the 2025 May Day Celebration on Thursday, May 1, held at the Black Star Square in Accra.
Source: Facebook
A representative of the union, Mr Owusu, while delivering his speech, told the President that the galamsey menace had become worse under his reign as President.
"Mr President, we in Organised Labour are surprised that five months into your reign, the galamsey menace is getting worse. The destruction of our environment, including our forests, is increasing with rapidity. We expect you to provide leadership in stopping the menace of galamsey."
He therefore suggested remedial intervention that ought to be taken in the wake of dealing with the galamsey menace.
"We expect your government to revoke, not amend, Legislative Instrument 249(62). Remember, Organised Labour has a letter from your predecessor suspending the LI pending its revocation. We urge your administration to take decisive actions to close this chapter and lead a new approach that prioritises environmental protection and responsible land use."
After delivering his speech, Mr. Owusu went and sat next to Mahama, who smiled broadly and shook hands with him.
Watch the video here:
At the time of writing the report, the video had raked in over 1,000 likes and 200 comments.
Source: Getty Images
Reactions to fight against galamsey
Social media users who took to the comment section of the video shared varied opinions on the statements made by the representative from Organised Labour.
James Brown stated:
"I wish I was the president like you guys go clap for me I swear. No nonsense talk will be accepted in my government if you can't talk for the last 8 years no need to talk now hypocrites."
Samuel Mawuena Kwasi opined:
"These are politicians hiding behind organized labour. Even Erasmus Asare Donkor and Ken Ashigbey have acknowledged this government for doing their best so far. We all know more is yet to be done."
David Batcho added:
"Why didn't you people tell Nana addo all these for the pass 8 years to stop galamse? In any case why don't you ask Nana addo about the 2000 plus licences that were given out before JM assumes office, hypocrites."
Mahama speaks against burning galamsey equipment
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the excavators seized at illegal mining sites should not be burnt.
The President made this call when the members of the Christian Council visited him at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 21, 2025.
President Mahama said there was a need for a structured approach that balances enforcement with sustainable mining practices.
Source: YEN.com.gh
