The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding that the illegal mining crisis, known as “galamsey,” be resolved by the end of September 2024 or face a nationwide strike.
In a strongly worded statement, UTAG criticized the government’s current strategies against galamsey, labeling them as corrupt and ineffective. They argued that the militarized methods employed to tackle illegal mining have failed to deliver lasting solutions.
UTAG is calling for an immediate and complete ban on galamsey, stressing the urgency of the issue and warning that further inaction could lead to widespread industrial action in universities across the country.
In their statement released on Monday, September 9, UTAG noted, “Many scholars have described the government’s efforts to combat galamsey in the Fourth Republic as failures, riddled with corruption and militarized battles.” The statement added, “Given the current alarming state of illegal mining, these critiques are hard to refute. UTAG demands an outright ban on galamsey now.”
The association further warned that if the current trend continues, Ghana might have to import water within six years.
“Cocoa production, once a pillar of our economy, has dropped by 45% this year. Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy $2.3 billion annually.
The Forestry Commission reports that over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been permanently lost. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has noted a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and the alarming figures keep mounting.”
“This is linked to high levels of particulate matter and toxic chemicals like mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and chromium found in water bodies, soil, and food in these mining areas.
While mining has long been part of our livelihood, these devastating outcomes are due to the greed of individuals whose relentless pursuit of wealth is destroying the environment. Have we not already wiped out 50% of what our ancestors left behind? The time for action is now. All forms of small-scale mining must be banned immediately,” the statement emphasized.
UTAG announced that it has taken a firm stance against galamsey and will use all constitutional means to ensure compliance, citing the failure of government-led initiatives like Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout.
“The data shows that small-scale mining has harmed Ghanaians and has instead become a tool for economic gain for politicians, chiefs, and elites.”
The statement also expressed doubt that even strong stances from traditional leaders like the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, would make a difference in the face of the increasing destruction.
UTAG called for national unity to protect the country’s resources, secure the future of the youth, and promote sustainable development.
“We are calling on the Ghanaian people to support the call for a complete ban on mining in our forest reserves, farms, and water bodies. UTAG will join all labour unions in Ghana to act decisively to ensure that the right thing is done. If this is not done by the end of September 2024, we will embark on a nationwide industrial action.”
“We have taken this principled stand against galamsey because our lives depend on it. We shall not waive our demand for the complete and total ban of galamsey,” it stated.
