UTAG threatens to embark on strike over galamsey menace

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has demanded an immediate national ban on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a press release dated September 9, 2024, UTAG voiced concerns about the government’s ineffective attempts to stop the threat, emphasizing the damaging effects on Ghana’s farms, forests, and water bodies.

“Numerous scholars have described the state-led efforts to combat galamsey in the Fourth Republic as ‘failed and corruption-infested militarized battles,'” UTAG stated.

UTAG warned that Ghana would have to import potable water in the next six years if current trends continue. They also expressed concern about the financial effects, projecting that illicit mining will cost the economy US$2.3 billion a year. “Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy US$2.3 billion annually,” the release stated.

UTAG cited the Forestry Commission’s report which states that over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been lost and that the Ghana Health Service reports show a 35% increase in respiratory ailments in mining areas. “The alarming rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and the accompanying statistics, are a direct result of the illegal activities destroying our environment,” UTAG noted.

Additionally, UTAG pointed out that small-scale mining has turned into “a tool for economic empowerment for the political class, chieftaincy leaders, and the elite.” UTAG also criticized the shortcomings of government-led initiatives like Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout.

UTAG has promised to organize all labour unions in the nation by the end of September 2024, to demand action from the government if a national ban is not implemented. “If this is not done by the end of September 2024, we will embark on a nationwide industrial action.”