A senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has accused Organized Labour of deviating from its core mandate and meddling in politics with its recent demands on the government to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining (galamsey).
Dr Sampson Anomah raised these concerns during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, October 8, as he criticized the union’s ultimatum to government to address the issue or face a nationwide strike.
“This is a national interest issue, not something for Organized Labour to lead with a strike. Their core mandate is to protect workers’ rights, not to force the government to take drastic political actions,” he said.
Dr. Anomah pointed out that the union’s sudden focus on the galamsey issue, especially with national elections looming, suggests that the move is politically motivated.
According to him, Organized Labour’s focus on galamsey just two months before the election raises suspicions.
“Where was Labour when this issue persisted for years? Why now, when we are close to a major election?” he asked.
He added, “If you see a sound person behaving like a mad person, there’s usually something behind it.”
Dr Anomah also highlighted the fact that the union’s call for a state of emergency is unrealistic, given the short timeline.
He warned that such a move could lead to chaos and would do little to address the long-standing galamsey problem.
However, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, founder of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, responded to Dr Anomah’s claims on the same show.
Dr Ashigbey rejected the notion that the union’s actions were politically motivated, emphasizing the urgency of the galamsey crisis.
“This is not about politics; this is about survival. People are dying because of illegal mining, and our water bodies are being destroyed,” he said passionately.
Dr Ashigbey further challenged Dr Anomah to take the issue more seriously and defended the involvement of Organized Labour.
He argued that protecting the nation’s water bodies is in everyone’s interest.
“Posterity will judge all of us,” Dr Ashigbey warned, adding that the Coalition will meet Dr Anomah in court if necessary.