Fulfil anti-galamsey pledge or face strike – UTAG warns Mahama

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong warning to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding immediate action on his campaign promise to fight illegal mining (galamsey), or risk industrial action.

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Following an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday, July 17, UTAG released a statement expressing disappointment in the government’s slow response to the galamsey crisis, despite limited progress made by security agencies.

Broken Promises

UTAG reminded the public that ahead of the 2024 elections, President Mahama signed the National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining, in the presence of UTAG and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), a move that the group describes as a “social contract” with Ghanaians.

So far, that pledge remains largely unfulfilled. UTAG listed several key commitments that are yet to be acted on, including:

1. A firm public condemnation of illegal mining
2. An immediate halt to all galamsey operations, especially in forests and rivers
3. Unbiased law enforcement regardless of political ties
4. Practical and enforceable anti-galamsey measures
5. Sanctions against local authorities complicit in illegal mining

The group cited ongoing environmental degradation in regions such as Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo as evidence that the government has failed to act meaningfully.

State of Emergency Call

While UTAG acknowledged the Attorney General’s directive for EOCO to investigate politically connected individuals involved in illegal mining, it emphasized that “symbolic steps” are not enough. The group is calling for the repeal of L.I. 2462 and a state of emergency in severely affected areas.

“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” the statement stressed.

UTAG has vowed to mobilize its members and explore all constitutional avenues, including industrial action, if the government does not act swiftly and transparently.

A National Duty

The association also called on the public to join efforts in safeguarding the environment for future generations, insisting that failure to act on illegal mining is a betrayal of national interest.