The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG), has clarified its position on the raging national debate over small-scale mining, stressing that its call for a state of emergency is aimed solely at illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
The clarification follows recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama, who stated that his administration was not rushing to declare a nationwide emergency since existing laws already grant sufficient powers to deal with the menace.
UTAG-UG, however, insists its appeal has been misinterpreted as a blanket ban on all forms of small-scale mining. The association maintains that its advocacy is focused on illegal operators destroying rivers, forests, and protected areas, and not on licensed miners whose activities are legitimate.
General Secretary of UTAG-UG, Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, said concerns raised over the association’s stance were rooted in a misunderstanding of its call. He clarified UTAG’s position, emphasising that the Association supports properly regulated mining.
“I think that he is either being misled or maybe there is some terminology difference. From the narration, I think that people are thinking we are calling for a total ban on small-scale mining in general.
“We are talking about what is illegal – people who are mining without licences in forest reserves and in waterbodies. This is the position of UTAG”
Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, General Secretary of UTAG-UG
UTAG-UG urged the government to declare a state of emergency in specific pollution hotspots where contamination of water bodies and soil has reached critical levels. According to Dr Harrison, the association’s proposal is for narrowly defined exclusion zones where access is legally restricted and strictly enforced by security agencies.
“I think that even district declarations are going to have a very serious impact, so let’s talk about hotspots. Look if this area is a no go area, nobody is allowed, security forces are always there. If you’re seen anywhere within a certain meter, you’re arrested for trespassing.
“That is the state of emergency we’re talking about. Not what people are thinking that we’ll have the military carrying guns, bombs and ammunition, strolling the streets and all that”
Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, General Secretary of UTAG-UG
Dr Harrison warned that Ghana’s water crisis was escalating into a national health emergency, with many communities already unable to access safe water as areas critical to national survival are being compromised.
Looming Health Crisis
The UTAG-UG General Secretary issued a stark warning about the long-term health risks associated with galamsey pollution.
“Look if we don’t do what we’re supposed to do now, we’ll all die. Which one do we prefer? The water situation is causing havoc in people’s homes. The people around Kwanyarko and many other areas don’t have water. They don’t have enough money to buy water to use for their homes.
“People have had to consume these waters and they are going to have cancers and neuro-degenerative diseases by all means. Is that not an emergency enough for us?”
Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, General Secretary of UTAG-UG
He urged the public and government not to delay action until irreversible damage becomes visible. Dr. Harrison further warned that the contamination posed indirect threats through the food chain, as animals and crops are exposed to polluted rivers.
“Whether you like it or not, if you don’t get it through the food, you get it through the meat,” he explained. The association is urging the government to adopt bold, evidence-based measures to confront galamsey.
This includes designating and policing hotspots, providing emergency support to affected communities, and strengthening surveillance over protected areas. UTAG-UG has also pledged to intensify advocacy and public engagement until the measures are implemented.
With the threat of irreversible ecological destruction and a looming public health crisis, the association argues that Ghana cannot afford half-hearted measures.
UTAG-UG’s stance adds urgency to national calls for stronger action against illegal mining, with the association warning that failure to act swiftly could have catastrophic consequences for both present and future generations.
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