The Eco-Conscious Citizens environmental group has expressed disappointment in Organised Labour’s decision to suspend the national strike without securing key demands.
According to Awula Serwah, Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, “We face an existential threat and stand with UTAG and TUTAG in demanding that the demands are met to avert the impending catastrophe.”
The group, in solidarity with the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, is pushing for a declaration of a state of emergency to effectively halt mining operations in forest reserves and around water bodies.
This, they believe, is a critical step in addressing the devastating impact of galamsey.
“Without this declaration, the measures implemented remain insufficient to curb the destructive impact of mining activities,” Awula Serwah noted.
Eco-Conscious Citizens also demands the repeal of L.I. 2462 to prevent mining and logging in forest reserves and biodiversity areas, as well as the revocation of licences granted to mine in these protected areas.
Furthermore, the group is calling for an investigation into environmental terrorists, particularly those named in Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng’s report.
The group commended UTAG and TUTAG for continuing with the strike.
“We commend UTAG and TUTAG for continuing with the strike.”
Organised Labour’s efforts led to the government’s agreement to revoke L.I. 2462. However, Eco-Conscious Citizens worries it may be a “publicity stunt.”
The group suggests the Minister of Environment and Science and Innovation Ophelia Hayford Quansah should make a statement in Parliament revoking L.I. 2462 to ensure immediate action.
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