As the October 10 deadline approaches for Organised Labour's planned nationwide strike, the government is making a last-ditch effort to avert the demonstration.

Government spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has issued a public plea for the unions to soften their stance and continue discussions with the government.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on October 8, Dr. Boakye-Danquah urged Organised Labour to prioritize dialogue rather than proceed with a strike that could potentially cripple the nation. The unions have been pushing for the declaration of a state of emergency to address illegal mining (galamsey) and safeguard the country’s water bodies, a crisis that has raised tensions across various sectors.

“There’s a lot of backdoor conversation with Organised Labour to meet them halfway,” Dr. Boakye-Danquah revealed during the interview, adding that while these talks have not yet been publicly disclosed, significant progress is being made behind the scenes.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis without the need for drastic measures. “Anyone observing can see that the government is working,” he said, assuring the public that efforts are underway to address the concerns raised by Organised Labour.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of the unions’ demands, Dr. Boakye-Danquah stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication. “I would want to reassure Labour that they should soften a bit more of their stance, especially as they are invited to a meeting tomorrow,” he stated, expressing hope that the upcoming talks will yield a positive outcome.

With only two days left before the strike deadline, several unions under Organised Labour have already begun voting on whether to proceed. A nationwide strike could have significant repercussions for the country, but Dr. Boakye-Danquah expressed confidence that a resolution is within reach.

“I’m aware that the various local unions are beginning to vote… but I am extremely confident that Labour, being a part of President Akufo-Addo’s fight against illegal mining, will not go on strike,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that some labour leaders are dealing with internal challenges, such as injunctions and removal processes, which could affect the final decision on whether the nationwide demonstration will proceed.

Despite these challenges, the government remains hopeful. Dr. Boakye-Danquah expressed optimism that within the next 24 to 48 hours, visible actions will be taken by the government to address the concerns brought forward by Organised Labour.

The unions’ demand for a state of emergency over the galamsey crisis has been met with public and political scrutiny. Labour leaders argue that drastic measures are necessary to save the country’s water bodies and environment, while the government advocates for a more measured approach, emphasizing continued dialogue over a nationwide shutdown.

“We want more talks, not a shutdown,” Dr. Boakye-Danquah implored, urging the unions to give the government more time to implement solutions. “I’m very sure that the outcome of the meeting will be very good,” he added.