In an unexpected turn of events, illegal miners, popularly known as *galamseyers*, in the Manso area of Ghana, have staged protests against the ongoing strike initiated by the Organized Labour Commission. The strike, which began in response to the government's inability to curb the menace of *galamsey*, highlights the growing concerns over the destruction of natural resources, especially the pollution of rivers, across Ghana. However, the response from the *galamseyers* demonstrates the complexity of the issue, revealing a deep economic dependence on illegal mining activities.

Just a day after the organized labour strike was launched, videos began circulating on social media, showing groups of *galamseyers* protesting in various assemblies across Manso. In these videos, some protesters can be heard defiantly stating that they would neither stop their illegal mining operations today nor tomorrow, signaling their refusal to comply with the demands of the strike.

### The Organized Labour Strike and the Fight Against *Galamsey*

The Organized Labour Commission's decision to go on strike comes in the wake of the growing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly *galamsey*, which has significantly impacted several of Ghana’s rivers. The country’s water bodies, once a vital source of life for many communities, have become heavily polluted due to the activities of illegal miners, making clean water scarce and threatening the livelihoods of people reliant on these rivers.

The strike was seen as a critical step in putting pressure on the government to take more aggressive action against *galamsey*, which continues to ravage the environment and endanger public health. Organized labour unions, environmental activists, and concerned citizens have long called for stricter enforcement of laws to protect Ghana’s natural resources and ensure sustainable development.

The "galamseyers", however, have voiced their grievances through these protests, claiming that they have no alternative means of survival. In the video, several protesters lamented the lack of jobs in the region, emphasizing that illegal mining is their only source of income. “There are no jobs; we can't stop *galamsey*,” one protester exclaimed, while others chanted slogans rejecting any efforts to force them out of their mining activities.

Their argument reflects a harsh reality faced by many individuals in rural areas where economic opportunities are scarce. Despite the government’s efforts to curb *galamsey*, the lack of adequate employment alternatives has created a situation where many feel compelled to engage in illegal mining to make a living. For these miners, stopping *galamsey* without providing viable alternatives would lead to financial ruin and exacerbate poverty in already marginalized communities.

The standoff between the striking workers and the protesting *galamseyers* points to the complex social and economic issues surrounding *galamsey*. On one hand, the environmental damage caused by illegal mining is undeniable, as rivers continue to be polluted and farmlands destroyed. On the other hand, *galamsey* remains a lifeline for many unemployed individuals in areas where job creation and economic opportunities are minimal.

The government finds itself in a challenging position, needing to balance the enforcement of environmental protection laws with addressing the socioeconomic needs of those engaged in *galamsey*. The *galamseyers*' protest against the organized labour strike reflects their desperation and disillusionment with the current state of affairs, where they feel abandoned by policymakers who have failed to provide them with sustainable livelihoods.

To resolve this impasse, there is a need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the environmental and economic aspects of *galamsey*. The government must invest in job creation and skills training programs to provide alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining. At the same time, it must enforce stricter laws and regulations to prevent further environmental degradation and ensure the protection of Ghana’s natural resources.

The protest by the *galamseyers* serves as a reminder that any solution to the *galamsey* crisis must take into account the needs of all stakeholders involved, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the sector. Without meaningful engagement and economic alternatives, efforts to end illegal mining are likely to face continued resistance, prolonging the damage to Ghana’s environment and economy.