The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned it will embark on an industrial action if the government fails to intensify efforts in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey.
According to the association, the ongoing environmental degradation caused by galamsey poses a serious threat to research, public health, and water security and must be tackled with urgency.
The call was contained in a statement issued on June 25, following UTAG’s Third Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting held at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in Kumasi.
“If the seeming lack of progress in the fight against this ecocide persists, UTAG will not hesitate to embark on industrial action, as was done last year, to press home our demands for decisive action,” the statement warned.
UTAG expressed disappointment over the slow pace of action and the government’s refusal to repeal L.I. 2462, a legislative instrument critics say weakens forest protection efforts.
The group demanded an immediate ban on mining activities in protected forest reserves.
“Illegal mining (galamsey) is eroding environmental sustainability and directly undermining research, water security, and public health. We call on the government to demonstrate genuine political will by revoking the L.I. 2462, halting all mining-related activities in protected areas, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms,” the statement demanded.
UTAG further urged President John Dramani Mahama to sanction officials and party members who are reportedly frustrating and derailing the fight against galamsey.
The association, however, commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund for their visible efforts, including recent visits to mining sites and arrests carried out by the Ghana Police Service.
