UTAG Warns of Industrial Action Over President Mahama’s Inaction on Galamsey
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding swift and decisive action to address the nation’s galamsey crisis or face the possibility of industrial action.
Following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, July 17, UTAG expressed growing frustration over the government’s failure to fulfil key pre-election promises to combat illegal mining, despite some minor security interventions.
UTAG’s Reminder of Mahama’s National Pledge
UTAG recalled that President Mahama, ahead of the 2024 general elections, signed the National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining, witnessed by both UTAG and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG). The association considers this pledge a binding social contract, which they say remains unfulfilled.
“The continuing environmental destruction… is a direct result of the administration’s failure to translate promises into real change,” UTAG stated.
Key Demands UTAG Wants Addressed Immediately
The association outlined five urgent actions the President must take:
- Public condemnation of galamsey and its environmental impacts
- Immediate cessation of all illegal mining activities, including evacuation of forest reserves and river bodies
- Full empowerment of law enforcement agencies to act impartially
- Enactment of coherent anti-galamsey policies
- Dismissal of local officials who enable or protect illegal mining
They also pushed for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and a declaration of a state of emergency in regions severely affected by galamsey.
Call for Coordinated and Transparent Action
While UTAG acknowledged directives from the Attorney General instructing EOCO to probe political figures allegedly involved in illegal mining, they insisted this effort lacks the necessary scale and urgency to truly dismantle entrenched galamsey operations.
“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.”
A Call for Public Vigilance
The association urged the public and academic community to stay vigilant and demand accountability to protect the nation’s environment.
“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” the statement concluded.
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