The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if a total ban on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” is not imposed. UTAG’s bold stance reflects growing frustration and concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining on the country’s environment, health, and economy.
In a strongly worded statement, UTAG criticized government-led efforts to combat illegal mining, describing them as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles.” The Association argued that the state’s approach has been ineffective and marred by corruption, resulting in a lack of meaningful progress. According to UTAG, the time has come for the government to implement a complete and uncompromising ban on all forms of illegal mining.
The Association expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by illegal mining activities. They highlighted the alarming destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover, contributing significantly to the environmental degradation plaguing Ghana. The situation has been exacerbated by a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining communities, which the Ghana Health Service attributes to harmful chemical toxins such as mercury, arsenic, and lead found in local water bodies and soil. These chemicals not only threaten human health but also contaminate water sources and agricultural land, further endangering the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
UTAG also pointed to the staggering economic cost of illegal mining, estimating that it could drain $2.3 billion from the economy each year. The Association warned that if the current trajectory continues, Ghana may be forced to import potable water within the next six years due to the contamination of rivers and other water sources, underscoring the urgency of immediate action. In addition, they noted that cocoa productivity, a critical sector of Ghana’s economy, has already declined by 45% this year due to the effects of illegal mining on arable land.
According to UTAG, illegal mining poses a significant threat to Ghana’s future and its people’s well-being. The Association called for an immediate, total ban on all forms of small-scale mining, stating that previous government initiatives like Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout have been “monumental failures.” These initiatives, which were meant to tackle illegal mining through a combination of military intervention and law enforcement, have not achieved their objectives, leading to an intensification of environmental damage and health hazards in affected communities.
UTAG is urging all Ghanaians to rally behind its call for a complete ban on illegal mining in sensitive areas, emphasizing the need for a unified national front to protect what remains of the country’s natural resources. “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,” the Association stated, appealing for collective action against the illegal mining menace.
UTAG further emphasized its readiness to use “every constitutionally available tool” to ensure the government complies with its demand. This could include aligning with other labor unions to launch decisive actions against illegal mining practices. The Association’s leaders made it clear that they are prepared to escalate their campaign if necessary, highlighting their determination to see meaningful change in how illegal mining is addressed in Ghana.
The Association underscored the severity of the situation by stating that “our lives depend on this,” illustrating the depth of their concern and the sense of urgency driving their actions. They warned that if the government fails to act by the end of September, UTAG will embark on a nationwide industrial action, signaling a significant escalation in their efforts to combat illegal mining.
UTAG also called on the government to recognize the seriousness of their demand and take swift action to impose a total ban on illegal mining. They stressed that such a move is necessary not only to protect the environment and public health but also to secure the country’s economic future. The Association’s statement reiterated that the current efforts to curb illegal mining have been inadequate and must be replaced with a more robust and comprehensive strategy.
In closing, UTAG appealed to all Ghanaians to support their call for a complete ban on illegal mining. The Association emphasized the importance of standing together as a nation to defend the environment, protect public health, and ensure a sustainable future for all. They also reaffirmed their commitment to using every means at their disposal to ensure their demand is met, including collaborating with other labor unions to mount pressure on the government.
The Association’s strong stance against illegal mining reflects a broader frustration with the government’s handling of the issue and signals a potential turning point in the fight against galamsey. By issuing this ultimatum, UTAG has positioned itself at the forefront of a growing movement demanding immediate action to protect Ghana’s environment, economy, and future.
As the deadline approaches, the government faces mounting pressure to respond to UTAG’s demands and take decisive action against illegal mining. The threat of a nationwide strike underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective response to the galamsey crisis. With their call to “#BANgalamsey” and “ban it for good,” UTAG has made it clear that they will not back down until real change is achieved.
