Forest Invasion: Labour unions demand immediate repeal of law regulating mining in forest reserves, threaten nationwide strike

Organised Labour is demanding the immediate repeal of the law regulating mining in forest reserves (LI 2462) and has threatened massive labour unrest by the end of this month if the government fails to act.

“Organised labour demands the immediate revocation and withdrawal of all licenses granted for prospecting and mining in forest and protected reserves, as well as around water bodies,” said a joint statement by the labour unions.

Among their demands, they are also calling for the immediate declaration of a state of emergency, in line with the constitution, with a direct order from President Nana Akufo-Addo to halt all forms of mining—both legal and illegal—within forest reserves and near water bodies.

They further demand the evacuation of all mining equipment from these areas and the deployment of military and police forces, empowered to remove or destroy any mining machinery in these sensitive regions.

The unions are also pressing for the establishment of a special court to prosecute those involved in the illegal mining menace, which has escalated into a major public health concern.

Their statement follows a series of publications by The Fourth Estate, highlighting how the passage of LI 2462 in November 2022 led to 32 applications from 25 companies to mine in 24 forest reserves. Ten of these applications have been approved, with 22 others awaiting approval. Many of the beneficiaries are prominent members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Bosiako, Wassa East District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Boakye, NPP Deputy Western Regional Women’s Organiser, Angelina Bint Ntaama, and the 2024 Juaben Constituency parliamentary candidate, Francis Owusu-Akyaw.

These revelations, along with widespread media reports of illegal mining in water bodies, have sparked outrage among the public and labour unions. The Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), and the Forum for Public Sector Associations and Unions, are joining other prominent voices—including the Minority in Parliament and the National House of Chiefs—in calling for the repeal of LI 2462.

According to the statement, signed by Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, and Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary General of the GFL, and Isaac Bampoe Addo, the unions are deeply concerned about the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, or ‘galamsey’ and its accompanying health risks. They cited exposure to toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, as well as a rise in respiratory and waterborne diseases due to polluted air and water.

“It is now clear to us, as it is to all well-meaning Ghanaians, that the menace of ‘galamsey’ has reached crisis proportions,” the statement read. “The depletion of our forest cover has never been this rapid. The destruction of our water bodies is at an unprecedented scale. Our entire ecosystem is on the precipice.”

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has had to shut down several treatment plants due to the severe pollution of water bodies, causing a surge in production costs and a drastic reduction in water supply to communities across the country. Residents of Cape Coast, Elmina, Kyebi, Beposo, Supom-Dunkwa, Bokorkope, and Atwereboanda are among those suffering from the effects of illegal mining, while rivers like the Offin, Pra, Birim, and Ankobrah remain heavily polluted.

The unions warn that these developments have dire consequences. “The cost of treating water has increased about tenfold, according to GWCL. Ghana risks having to import water for household and industrial consumption,” they warned.

 They also expressed concerns about food security, noting that agricultural lands are increasingly being appropriated for mining activities.

 “The inappropriate use of mining-related chemicals is reducing the productivity of agricultural lands and threatening food safety,” they said.