Illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey,” has been a persistent issue in Ghana. It has led to significant environmental degradation, particularly by destroying water bodies, deforestation, and soil contamination.
Despite numerous government efforts to combat the menace, galamsey continues to thrive due to weak enforcement, corruption, and the involvement of powerful actors.
The latest call for stricter enforcement and directives, particularly from the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), highlighted a growing dissatisfaction with government inaction.
In a recent address by Professor Eric Kwabena Kyeh Abavare, President of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) logo Chapter, of the Univesity Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), emphasized the urgent need for government action in addressing Galamsey. According to him, the government must adopt the same approach it used during the COVID-19 pandemic to manage the illegal mining crisis.
He argued that the President’s involvement is essential for any meaningful progress to be made.
Speaking on the issue, Professor Abavare drew a parallel between the management of COVID-19 and the current fight against galamsey.
“During COVID time 2020, the President stood at Jubilee House and gave either instruction or directive that Greater Kumasi, Greater Accra, there’s a lockdown. As soon as the president made that statement, then as they all happened, we saw the lockdown. We also saw the police, [and] the military, all on the road and the street.”
But if that statement had not come, do you think the police would have a business going to be on the street to say that because of COVID, people should not go about their business?”
Professor Eric Kwabena Kyeh Abavare President of KNUST logo Chapter, UTAG
Professor Abavare argued that a clear directive from the President is the necessary precursor.
“We have instruction, and we have enforcement. Instruction comes before enforcement. Without an instruction, there’s no enforcement.”
Professor Eric Kwabena Kyeh Abavare President of KNUST logo Chapter, UTAG
The Role of Enforcement in the Fight Against Galamsey
Professor Abavare insisted that the issue is not just about enforcement but the lack of clear instructions from the government to initiate that enforcement.
“So, what UTAG was asking the government and the basis for our strike is that, we want the government to give an instruction, to say ‘I do not want to see any earth-moving machines on our roads. We don’t want to see any champagnes … they pass through our ports. If the instruction had been made that we don’t want to see such a thing at the port of entry, You don’t even enter.”
Professor Eric Kwabena Kyeh Abavare President of KNUST logo Chapter, UTAG
This statement implied that the failure to issue these instructions is contributing to the continuation of galamsey activities.
The machines and equipment are entering the country legally, and without a firm government directive, enforcement agencies have little grounds to act.
Government Inaction and the Strike by UTAG
UTAG’s frustration with the government’s handling of galamsey has culminated in a strike, with Professor Abavare emphasizing that the strike is aimed at compelling the government to follow through on its plans.
Meanwhile, With organized labor no longer united in its stance, the government became complacent in taking action, leading to continued inaction on illegal mining.
Professor Yarhan Dissou Arthur Critique of Organized Labor
However, Professor Yarhan Dissou Arthur, the president of the Akenten Appiah- Menka Appiah University chapter of UTAG, echoed similar sentiments, accusing organized labor of failing its members. However, he expressed concerns about the weakening of organized labor in the fight against Galamsey.
He insisted that organized labor must apologize to its members for what he described as a surprising “U-turn” in the fight against illegal mining. He criticized organized labor’s shift in position and their lack of consistency.
This Phenomenon highlighted the discontent within UTAG regarding the perceived failure of organized labor to maintain pressure on the government to address the galamsey issue. The lack of unity within the labor movement has, in their view, emboldened the government to continue with its inaction.
“UTAG’s strike is actually going to hold on the government to go according to the plan that he or the government has put out there. In fact, When the other labor unions are now relaxing, I can tell you that there is nothing that is going to happen because they have succeeded, one, in dividing your fronts. As I speak to you, organized labor’s front is divided by the government.”
Professor Yarhan Dissou Arthur, President of Akenten Appiah- Menka Appiah University chapter of UTAG
The ongoing fight against illegal mining in Ghana continues to be a pressing issue, and UTAG’s stance reflects the growing frustration within various sectors of society.
Professor Arthur’s remarks underscored his belief that the government’s ability to divide and weaken labor unions has contributed to the failure of the fight against galamsey.
Albeit, Professor Abavare’s call for clear government directives, akin to those issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, is seen as a necessary step in curbing the galamsey menace.
However, without unity within organized labor and decisive action from the government, the fight against illegal mining may continue to falter. Meanwhile, UTAG’s strike served as a reminder that the battle against galamsey is not only a matter of enforcement but also of leadership and political will.
