The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has reaffirmed its commitment to embark on industrial action if the government fails to declare a state of emergency over the country’s worsening environmental crisis caused by illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’.
This warning comes as the association voices deep concerns about the dire state of Ghana’s water bodies, which have been severely polluted due to unregulated mining activities.
UTAG’s National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, emphasized the association’s determination in the days leading up to a crucial meeting with the government scheduled for Today, October 1.
He warned that if the government does not take immediate and decisive action to address the galamsey crisis, the association would follow through with its planned strike.
“We have made our demands very clear. In our release, we explicitly outlined what our actions would be if the government does not meet our demands. We will embark on an industrial action, and we still stand by that.”
Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, UTAG’s National President
The professor’s strong words underline the seriousness of UTAG’s stance on the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, which has left many water bodies in Ghana unfit for consumption.
UTAG’s leadership has not held back in its critique of the government’s approach to tackling illegal mining. In a scathing statement, the association labeled state-led efforts to combat galamsey as ineffective, accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement in its attempts to curb the illegal activity.
UTAG described current anti-galamsey measures as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles,” suggesting that the deployment of the military and other security forces has done little to stop the destructive practices of illegal miners.
Prof. Akudugu expressed his disappointment with how government agencies have handled the situation. He argued that political interests and a lack of transparency have undermined the fight against illegal mining, and called for more stringent and focused interventions.
Call for Urgent Action
UTAG has been at the forefront of urging the government to take a hard stance against galamsey, which has contributed to large-scale environmental degradation. UTAG is not alone in its call for urgent government action.
“We believe that our colleagues in organized labor share our sentiments. If the government fails to take swift action, they are likely to join us in this fight. This issue affects all of us, and we cannot afford to remain silent.”
Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, UTAG’s National President
According to the association, illegal mining activities have resulted in severe pollution of rivers, lakes, and streams across Ghana, leaving many communities without clean water.
In addition to the destruction of critical water resources, UTAG’s statement highlighted other alarming consequences of galamsey, such as the loss of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover.
The environmental damage has also contributed to a surge in health problems, with a 35% increase in respiratory diseases reported in mining-affected areas. Furthermore, the economic impact of illegal mining has been projected to cost the nation $2.3 billion annually, according to UTAG’s findings.
The association’s demands are straightforward: the government must impose a total ban on illegal mining activities and declare a state of emergency to address the environmental disaster. UTAG has issued an ultimatum to the government, stating that if concrete measures are not put in place by the end of September 2024, they will have no choice but to initiate a nationwide strike.
In addition to criticizing the government’s current efforts, Prof. Akudugu called on Ghana’s two main political parties—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—to commit to a long-term strategy for combatting illegal mining.
He proposed that both parties sign a binding pact to ensure that future administrations take a firm and consistent stand against galamsey.
“This is something that should be immediate for them to do,” Prof. Akudugu stressed. He explained that without a clear and enforceable agreement between the political leadership of the country, the battle against galamsey will continue to be undermined by changing political interests and lack of continuity in policy.
Despite the potential disruptions, UTAG insisted that the fight against galamsey is a national priority that can no longer be delayed.
“We will do what is necessary to protect the environment and the health of our people,” Prof. Akudugu stated, reaffirming UTAG’s commitment to holding the government accountable.
The government’s response to UTAG’s ultimatum in the coming days will likely determine whether the association proceeds with its planned strike.
