The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has announced that it won’t participate in the planned nationwide strike on October 10 against galamsey, despite standing in solidarity with Organised Labour. This decision was made clear in a press release issued on October 8, following an internal meeting.

According to GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour, the association hasn’t laid out a roadmap for industrial action and expects its members to continue providing uninterrupted medical services. The GMA supports Organised Labour’s concerns about galamsey’s devastating effects on the environment and livelihoods but won’t join the strike.

Dr. Serebour explained, “The GMA shares the concerns of Organised Labour about the harmful effects of galamsey and supports efforts to address this issue. However, we cannot participate in the strike.”

Organised Labour is proceeding with the strike to press the government to take stronger measures against galamsey, citing its destructive impact on the environment, water resources, and communities.

Some members of the GMA, like Dr. Ezekiel Agyekum Obeng, have questioned the association’s initial intention to join the strike, highlighting the potential harm to patients and the importance of finding alternative solutions.