The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to mount sustained pressure on government to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, citing the severe environmental and health risks the menace poses.
Speaking to the media, newly elected UTAG President, Professor Vera Ogeh Fiador, said the Association will soon roll out targeted measures to demand decisive government action.
“Water is essential. It may seem like the issue is far from us now, but in a few years, we are likely to battle more diseases than we normally would. Already, as a nation, we are financially challenged,” Prof. Fiador cautioned.
Long-Term Threats to Health and Economy
She stressed that while galamsey activities may appear to provide short-term employment, the long-term consequences far outweigh the perceived benefits.
“The net present value is negative in the long run,” she said, warning that restoring degraded lands and polluted rivers would impose heavy financial burdens on the country.
UTAG argues that unchecked illegal mining threatens not only Ghana’s environment but also its public health, food security, and economic stability.
Broader National Efforts
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama is expected to meet with more than 60 civil society organisations on Friday, October 3, 2025, to deliberate on joint strategies to tackle illegal mining and strengthen enforcement efforts.
The Association has pledged to work with like-minded groups to hold the government accountable until concrete progress is made in addressing what it calls a “national emergency.”
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
