The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr. Abraham Koomson, has vehemently denounced Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, advocating for its immediate repeal. He characterizes the law, officially known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, as a destructive piece of legislation that has exacerbated the already critical problem of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” in Ghana. Introduced in November 2022 under the previous administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Mr. Koomson argues that L.I. 2462 provides a legal loophole, effectively legitimizing illicit mining activities within protected forest reserves. He condemns the law as a product of flawed judgment, driven by the vested interests of a select few, and detrimental to the nation’s well-being. Mr. Koomson contends that the regulation’s provisions disregard the environmental rights of rural communities and grant sweeping powers for mining operations across Ghana’s forest reserves, including areas of significant biodiversity.
Mr. Koomson’s primary concern centers on the regulation’s perceived facilitation of illegal mining within protected areas. He believes that L.I. 2462 undermines ongoing efforts to combat galamsey, effectively granting presidential sanction for mining activities within forest reserves and along river bodies – crucial ecosystems vital to the country’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of many communities. He further criticizes the law for its disregard of the rights of rural communities who depend on these resources, emphasizing the environmental and social consequences of unchecked mining operations. This disregard, he argues, highlights the inherent injustice and shortsightedness of the legislation, ultimately contributing to the degradation of the environment and the marginalization of vulnerable populations.
The GFL Secretary General commends the current administration of President John Dramani Mahama for possessing the parliamentary majority needed to repeal the controversial regulation. He urges swift action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the detrimental impacts of L.I. 2462. He frames the law as a significant obstacle to the fight against illegal mining and a critical impediment to environmental protection. By repealing the legislation, Mr. Koomson believes the government can demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management, ultimately benefiting the Ghanaian people and preserving the country’s natural heritage.
Beyond his condemnation of L.I. 2462, Mr. Koomson also criticizes the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) for what he perceives as a betrayal of organized labor during the anti-galamsey campaign of the previous year. He accuses the GMA of withdrawing its support at a crucial juncture when unions were pressuring the Akufo-Addo government to declare a state of emergency to address the escalating galamsey crisis. This withdrawal, he argues, significantly weakened the collective bargaining power of organized labor and undermined the campaign to hold the government accountable for its inaction. He suggests that the GMA’s actions compromised the credibility of the organized labor movement and hindered the effectiveness of their advocacy efforts.
Mr. Koomson’s disappointment with the GMA stems from their perceived abandonment of the collaborative effort to combat illegal mining. He highlights the importance of solidarity within organized labor, emphasizing that a united front is essential for effectively challenging governmental policies and advocating for meaningful change. He contrasts the GMA’s recent pronouncements against galamsey with their previous inaction, suggesting a lack of consistency and commitment to the cause. This perceived inconsistency, he argues, undermines the GMA’s current advocacy efforts and casts doubt on their sincerity in addressing the issue.
In conclusion, Mr. Koomson’s statements reflect a deep concern about the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining in Ghana. He calls for the immediate repeal of L.I. 2462, which he believes exacerbates the problem, and criticizes the GMA for its perceived lack of support in past efforts to combat galamsey. His critique highlights the importance of consistent and collaborative action from various stakeholders, including government, labor organizations, and professional associations, to effectively address the complex challenges posed by illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. He believes that restoring credibility and trust among these stakeholders is crucial for achieving meaningful progress in the fight against galamsey and ensuring sustainable development for the country.
