Ghana Medical Association urges members to maintain full services amid upcoming strike
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on its members to continue providing uninterrupted services, despite the nationwide industrial action announced by Organised Labour, which is set to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour clarified that the association has not declared any plans for industrial action. “The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has not declared a roadmap for industrial action. Therefore, all members are expected to continue providing full services without interruptions,” he stated.
While expressing solidarity with Organised Labour’s fight against illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” Dr. Serebour noted that the GMA would not participate in the strike at this time. “The GMA, however, is in solidarity with Organised Labour in this fight against galamsey. The National Executive Council (NEC) will provide further information when necessary,” he added.
This development comes as the government expressed surprise over Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with the strike, despite ongoing negotiations to tackle illegal mining. As part of its response, the government announced plans to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462) when Parliament reconvenes, reinforcing its commitment to curbing illegal mining, particularly in protected areas such as water bodies and forest reserves classified as “Red Zones.”
A statement from Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar, released on Monday, October 7, reiterated the government’s resolve to intensify enforcement efforts. The statement also revealed that the Attorney-General will work with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases, further emphasizing the government’s determination to end the environmental destruction caused by the practice.
Additionally, the government voiced its support for a proposal requiring all presidential candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining, aiming to depoliticize the issue and encourage unified national action.
