The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has reaffirmed its intention to launch industrial action if the government fails to declare a state of emergency over the country’s rapidly deteriorating water bodies due to illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey”
UTAG’s National President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, made this firm declaration ahead of a meeting with the government scheduled for Tuesday, October 1.
He stressed that the association is ready to take bold action if tangible measures are not implemented.
Speaking to the media, Prof. Akudugu emphasized that UTAG’s position remains unchanged, insisting that their demand for immediate government intervention must be fulfilled.
“Our demands are clear. If they are not met, we will proceed with industrial action, as we have outlined. We stand by this”
Prof. Akudugu also urged the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to sign a binding agreement committing to a relentless fight against galamsey.
“This is a matter of urgency that both parties must address,” he added, noting that UTAG’s next steps would depend on the government’s response.
The association has been pushing for a state of emergency to address the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, which has led to the contamination of key water bodies across the nation. The association had earlier issued a warning, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if the government did not impose a total ban on illegal mining.
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