TIG Post

Tag: airstrikes

  • Tension brews in Organised Labour over anti-galamsey strike

    Tension brews in Organised Labour over anti-galamsey strike

    Tensions are rising within Organised Labour as its leaders convene a critical meeting to finalize plans for a nationwide strike aimed at pressuring the government to take significant action against illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”

    Dissatisfaction has emerged among various factions, particularly the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) and other groups, who allege they were not consulted prior to the strike announcement.

    A group identifying itself as “Concerned Members of Organised Labour” has publicly opposed the manner in which the strike decision was communicated. While they support the initiative against galamsey, they argue that the leadership’s approach to declaring the strike was flawed.

    This faction is urging the leadership of Organised Labour to postpone the strike and seek further discussions with the government.

    Dr. Solomon Fokuo, a TUTAG member, shared these sentiments with reporters in Kumasi, noting that had the leadership demonstrated equal commitment to addressing member welfare, the situation might have been managed more effectively.

    “We are all against galamsey. We are against all those who are destroying our waterbodies and the environment and we urge the government to use legal means to stop it to protect our environment but the major concern is what Organised Labour is talking about.

    “They have decided to declare a strike on October 10 but we were not consulted and we have not been involved and are not aware.

    “We have not been involved in any of the activities that they have been doing. We don’t know where they get their energy from and if they had used the same energy in fighting for our welfare, things would have been better.”

  • Organised Labour to meet today over intended nationwide strike

    Organised Labour to meet today over intended nationwide strike

    Organised Labour is set to convene an emergency meeting today to determine the next steps for the nationwide strike, following significant developments subsequent to the group’s declaration of industrial action last Friday.

    Among the critical issues slated for discussion at today’s meeting is the fate of the management and Board of Directors of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), concerning their alleged roles in the halted sale of its hotels.

    Last Friday, SSNIT announced the termination of a bid to sell 60% of its stake in four hotels, mere hours after the potential investor, Rock City Hotel, formally withdrew its proposal.

    Sources within Organised Labour informed the Daily Graphic that the strike remains in effect, with today’s 10 a.m. meeting expected to provide further guidance on the group’s course of action in light of recent developments.

    The industrial action has garnered support from affiliated labour unions, each issuing statements directing their members to fully comply with the strike.

    Notable supporters include the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), and various teacher unions such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers and the National Association of Graduate Teachers.

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has taken a proactive stance, calling for the dissolution of the SSNIT Board and the resignation of top management, citing concerns over governance and public trust.

    In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Dr Eliasu Mumuni, National Secretary of UTAG, emphasized that their advocacy for change within SSNIT is driven by the need for prudent and transparent management of pension funds and assets, highlighting the broader implications beyond political considerations.

    Organised Labour initiated the industrial action following an emergency meeting at the Hall of Trade Unions in Accra last Friday. Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), officially announced the strike during a press conference, emphasizing its continuation until SSNIT terminates the sale process of its shares in four prominent hotels across Ghana.

  • Ghana Card applicants in Ashanti Region left stranded due to ongoing NIA strike

    Ghana Card applicants in Ashanti Region left stranded due to ongoing NIA strike

    The ongoing strike staged by National Identification Authority (NIA) staff has caused significant inconvenience to numerous applicants in the Ashanti Region, depriving them of vital services.

    Commencing on Monday, June 10, 2024, the strike was formally declared by the Public Services Workers Union on Sunday.

    The reasons cited include dissatisfaction with working conditions and the government’s prolonged delay in addressing negotiation issues and specific allowances for the institution.

    Despite a prior postponement of a strike notice in March 2024, facilitated by the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, the lack of progress in negotiations has compelled the union to take industrial action.

    Consequently, all NIA facilities, spanning district, regional, and premium centers, have suspended operations, leaving applicants stranded and frustrated.

    Many individuals, having traveled from distant locations, urgently require the Ghana card but are unable to obtain it due to the strike.

    In media interviews, affected applicants have voiced their distress, emphasizing the critical importance of the Ghana card for various purposes and expressing concern over the severe disruption caused by the strike.

    Applicants are now urging swift action from the government and relevant authorities to address the NIA’s grievances. They fear that prolonged strike action will exacerbate the situation and have detrimental effects if not resolved promptly.

  • Palestinian authority denounces Israeli airstrikes in Rafah as “Massacre”

    Palestinian authority denounces Israeli airstrikes in Rafah as “Massacre”

    In the wake of Israel’s hostage raid in southern Gaza, a series of deadly airstrikes ensued overnight, prompting condemnation from the Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry.

    Describing the Israeli action as a “massacre” in Rafah, the PA, which governs the occupied West Bank, reported a death toll of 100 people along with numerous injuries.

    However, conflicting reports on the number of casualties emerged. While a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza stated that at least 67 Palestinians were killed, earlier estimates had suggested around 100 fatalities.

    In a statement released on [date], the ministry criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of orchestrating “mass massacres” driven by a desire for revenge rather than victory and in violation of international law.

    Despite international outcry, Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continuing the military offensive in Gaza.

  • IDF provides update on Jabalia operations without detailing reported airstrikes

    IDF provides update on Jabalia operations without detailing reported airstrikes

    The IDF issued an update on its “operational activity” in Jabalia, refraining from providing specific details about the reported airstrikes in the area.

    According to the statement, during the operation, the IDF discovered 5,000,000 Israeli new shekel (£1.1m) “designated for terrorist activity inside a senior Hamas terrorist’s residence.”

    The update also mentioned the IDF’s actions in the area, stating that it “struck terrorist infrastructure” housing weapons, including explosive devices and military equipment. Additionally, the forces destroyed “terror tunnel shafts” as part of their operations.

    A brief overview of the situation in Khan Younis in the south of Gaza was also included in the update. The Israeli military reported the elimination of a “suspicious terrorist cell” in Khan Younis, along with other air and sea operations.