UTAG threatens nationwide demonstration after giving govt deadline to ban illegal mining

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given the central government until September 30, 2024, to ban illegal small-scale mining commonly known as galamsey in forest reserves, or else it will embark on a nationwide demonstration.

Describing the government effort to end Galamsey as failed, the President of UTAG, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu in a statement sighted by GhanaEducation.org said illegal mining activities have negatively impacted water bodies, forests and agricultural lands.

“Several stakeholders reveal that if the current trajectory continues, Ghana may be forced to import potable water within six years. Cocoa productivity, once a cornerstone of our dear economy, has declined 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 destroyed.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has identified a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and the alarming statistics continue.

This situation correlates very well with high levels of particulate matter and harmful chemical toxins such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, etc, found in water bodies, soils, and foods in these mining areas.

While mining has been an integral part of our lives for a long time, these devastating developments are linked to the evil actions of greedy people involved in these activities whose quest for wealth is insatiable.

Have we not already destroyed 50% of what our forefathers left us? The time for action is now. All forms of small-scale mining must be banned immediately.

UTAG has taken this permanent stand against galamsey and will use every constitutionally available tool to ensure compliance because Government-led initiatives like Operation Vanguard, Operation Flashout, and other state-led efforts have been monumental failures.

The data shows that small-scale mining has negatively affected Ghanaians and, instead, has evolved into a tool for economic empowerment for the political class, chieftaincy leaders, and the elite.

It does not appear that the rigid and bold stands of some traditional leaders like the Asantehene, Otumfour Nana Osei-Tutu II, against this menace would yield the desired results with the carnage currently on the rise.

Let’s unite as a nation to protect the little we have left, safeguard the future of our youth, and chart a
sustainable path to development.

Therefore, 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,” UTAG said in the statement.