Organised labour has issued an ultimatum to government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if a total ban on illegal mining, known as galamsey is not imposed.
They lamented the severe damage caused by illegal mining activities, including the destruction of forest cover, water bodies and ecology.
"The destruction of our water bodies is at an unprecedented scale. Our entire ecosystem is on the precipice," a statement signed by the TUC Secretary General said.
The group also demanded the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas, a halt to all mining in forest reserves, the creation of special courts for prosecuting offenders, and the deployment of the military to dismantle mining equipment.
