The Trades Union Congress (Organised Labour) has threatened to embark on series of demonstrations and a nationwide strike if the government does not take drastic action against illegal mining activities also known as galamsey by the end of September this year.

The group said the government must bring a halt to all illegal mining activities along water bodies and forest reserves.

In a statement issued by Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, Organised Labour wants the government to immediately declare a state of emergency in all areas affected by illegal mining.

They also want the establishment of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of galamsey operators, and the deployment of the military to remove and destroy all mining equipment in affected areas.

“The government’s failure to act swiftly and decisively on the galamsey menace has resulted in severe environmental degradation, including the destruction of rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves,” TUC said in the statement.

SSD/MA