The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a stern ultimatum to President John Mahama, demanding urgent and transparent action in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, or face constitutionally permitted nationwide protests.
In a statement dated July 20, UTAG emphasised its growing frustration with the government’s handling of the galamsey menace, noting that despite intensified patrols and arrests in recent months, environmental degradation continues unabated across the country’s forests, river bodies, and protected areas.
“UTAG expects the President to fulfil his pledges with urgency and transparency. If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments,” the release warned.
The association called on President Mahama to honour his 2024 pre-election pledge to treat galamsey as a national security threat and to partner with civil society organisations to tackle it decisively. According to UTAG, the time for political declarations is over, and the country now needs bold leadership and concrete results.
“President Mahama must show fidelity to his promises… that should he become the Chief Executive of the Republic, he will treat ‘galamsey’ as a high-risk enterprise,” the statement added, urging the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry to step up supervision and enforcement.
UTAG also demanded that the government:
-
Declare an immediate ban on mining in galamsey-endemic areas
-
Strictly enforce existing laws on unregulated mining, without fear or favour
-
Investigate and expose the financiers and political backers behind illegal mining operations
-
Ensure anti-galamsey policies are fully implemented across all regulatory, security, and environmental agencies
“There must be a unified and forthright commitment between the President and his appointed officials to demarcate ‘galamsey’ as a crime against the state,” UTAG stated, warning that selective enforcement will only undermine national efforts.
The association reminded the public of its long-standing role as a frontline advocate against galamsey and called for collective vigilance. “We urge our members and the broader public to remain vigilant and united in protecting our environment for future generations. The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now.”
UTAG has previously led coordinated advocacy and industrial action—including a joint effort with the Trades Union Congress during the Akufo-Addo administration—to press for meaningful reform in Ghana’s mining sector.
–
UTAG-Calls-on-President-Mahama-to-Fulfil-His-Pledge-to-End-Galamsey_July-2025
Story by Sika Togoh|univers.ug.edu.gh
