Organised Labour has suspended its planned nationwide strike, which was scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The decision came after an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders agreed to call off the industrial action.

The strike was suspended following assurances from the government to take concrete measures to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

According to Organised Labour, the government has made notable progress, including intensifying the “Operational Halt” initiative, spearheaded by the Ghana Armed Forces, to clamp down on illegal mining in forest reserves.

During a media briefing, Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), explained that Labour’s decision was aimed at giving the government time to implement its promised measures.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to advocate for stronger actions against illegal mining," he said.

The planned strike had gained the support of several unions, with the aim of pressuring the government to declare a state of emergency and enhance efforts to address the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.

Despite the strong backing from unions such as the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) and the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), healthcare groups like the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) had opted to distance themselves from the action, prioritizing the continuity of essential healthcare services.

The decision to suspend the strike surprised many, as unions had previously shown unwavering determination in their push for decisive action on illegal mining.

However, Organised Labour emphasized that they remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding workers' rights and ensuring that the illegal mining crisis is thoroughly addressed.