The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a stark ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to fulfil his pre-election promises to clamp down on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, or risk facing nationwide industrial action from the academic body.
In a strongly-worded statement following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, 17 July, UTAG expressed frustration at what it describes as a troubling lack of real progress in the government’s fight against galamsey. While acknowledging some gains made by security agencies, the association said these efforts fall far short of what is needed to tackle the environmental and social damage being caused.
UTAG reminded the President of his 2024 campaign pledge, signed in the presence of both UTAG and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) to combat illegal and irresponsible mining. The group said this pledge formed a binding social contract with Ghanaians, one which they believe remains largely unfulfilled.
Among the key demands UTAG says remain unmet are
A public and unambiguous condemnation of galamsey and its consequences;
A directive to halt all illegal mining activities, especially in forest reserves and water bodies;
Empowering law enforcement to act impartially and effectively;
The rollout of clear and practical policies to address the galamsey crisis;
And the dismissal of district and regional officials who protect or facilitate illegal mining.
The association said illegal mining continues to devastate large swathes of land and water sources, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo regions, causing irreparable harm to ecosystems and livelihoods.
While UTAG acknowledged that the Attorney General had instructed EOCO to investigate political figures suspected of involvement in galamsey, they stressed that “symbolic gestures” were not enough.
“We need urgent, coordinated, and transparent action if we are to stop this scourge,” the statement said.
UTAG is also calling on the President to honour additional promises, such as repealing Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and declaring a state of emergency in severely affected areas.
“If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues, including industrial action to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments,” the statement warned.
The association closed with a call for unity and vigilance from the public, stating: “The time for rhetoric is over. The time for action is now.”
