The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong warning to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to take immediate and concrete steps to address illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—or face potential industrial action.
Following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, July 17, UTAG released a statement expressing deep disappointment over the government’s lack of meaningful progress in combating galamsey, despite limited gains made by security agencies.
UTAG recalled that in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, President Mahama signed the National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining in the presence of UTAG and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG). The association considers this pledge a binding social contract with the Ghanaian people—one the President has yet to fulfil adequately.
Among the unfulfilled commitments UTAG highlighted are:
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A public and unequivocal condemnation of galamsey and its environmental consequences
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A directive to immediately halt all illegal mining activities, including operations in forests and river bodies
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Empowering law enforcement to act impartially, regardless of political affiliation
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The implementation of practical, consistent anti-galamsey policies
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The removal of local government officials who enable or protect illegal mining in their areas
The statement emphasized that ongoing environmental degradation—especially in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo regions—demonstrates the government’s failure to translate pledges into action.
While UTAG acknowledged steps by the Attorney General directing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate alleged political involvement in illegal mining, it insisted that “more decisive, coordinated action is required to permanently eliminate the galamsey threat.”
UTAG also called on President Mahama to fulfill other campaign promises, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and the declaration of a state of emergency in severely affected areas.
“UTAG expects the President to honour these pledges with urgency and transparency,” the statement read. “If tangible progress is not made swiftly, UTAG will not hesitate to pursue all constitutionally sanctioned means—including industrial action—to ensure these national commitments are upheld.”
The association concluded by urging both its members and the wider public to remain vigilant in defending the environment, warning: “The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now.”
