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

The group said the government must bring a halt to all mining activities in forest reserves.

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

They 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,” it said in the statement.

SSD/ ADG

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