The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a call for an urgent and total prohibition on all illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, as well as mining operations within forest reserves, agricultural lands, and river systems.
On September 9, 2024, UTAG released a pointed statement indicating that a nationwide strike, in partnership with other labor unions, will be initiated if the government fails to implement a complete ban on mining in specified areas by the month’s end.
The association criticized the government’s earlier attempts to address galamsey, describing initiatives such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout as “monumental failures.”
UTAG reports that the state-led measures have not only been ineffective in curbing the practice but have also been plagued by corruption and political interference.
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In a recent statement, UTAG highlighted concerning statistics that reveal the detrimental impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and economy.
The statement highlighted that should galamsey persist at its present pace, the nation may be compelled to import potable water within a span of six years. The decline in cocoa production, a crucial component of Ghana’s economy, has reached 45% this year. Additionally, illegal mining is estimated to be costing the economy approximately $2.3 billion each year.
UTAG’s statement underscored the escalating public health crisis in mining regions, noting a 35 percent increase in respiratory diseases. It also pointed to alarming levels of toxins such as mercury, arsenic, and lead that have polluted water bodies, soils, and food supplies.
UTAG has made a strong statement, calling on the government to implement a comprehensive and lasting ban on all types of small-scale mining, emphasizing that immediate action is essential. Members of the group voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting that the practice has evolved into a means for economic benefit for political leaders, traditional authorities, and elites, leaving local communities to suffer the consequences of environmental and health repercussions.
The association has made its position unmistakably clear: “We shall not waive our demand for the complete and total ban of galamsey.” UTAG has called on all Ghanaians to participate in the effort to safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for the nation.
Should the government neglect to take action by the conclusion of September, UTAG has pledged to spearhead a unified industrial movement advocating for the ban.
“It’s time to #BANgalamsey and ban it for good,” the statement concluded.
Read the entire statement below;
UTAG
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
UNIVERSITY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA
Ref: UTAGN/2024/Vol.2/0065
September 9th, 2024
Press Release
For Immediate Release
#BANgalamsey
UTAG Calls for Immediate Nationwide Ban on Mining and Prospecting for Gold and Other Minerals in Forest Reserves, Farms and Rivers
Accra: The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is adding its voice to the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, and general mining in the forest reserves, which has devastated Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. Numerous scholars have described the state-led efforts to combat galamsey in the Fourth Republic as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles.” Given the current alarming state of illegal mining in the country, these critiques are difficult to dispute.
UTAG is calling for a total ban on galamsey now.
Several stakeholders reveal that if the current trajectory continues, Ghana may be forced to import potable water within six years. Cocoa productivity, once a cornerstone of our dear economy, has declined by 45% this year. Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy $2.3 billion annually. The Forestry Commission reports that over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been permanently destroyed. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has identified a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and the alarming statistics continue. This situation correlates very well with high levels of particulate matter and harmful chemical toxins such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, etc, found in water bodies, soils, and foods in these mining areas. While mining has been an integral part of our lives for a long time, these devastating developments are linked to the evil actions of greedy people involved in these activities whose quest for wealth is insatiable. Have we not already destroyed 50% of what our forefathers left us? The time for action is now. All forms of small- scale mining must be banned immediately.
UTAG has taken this permanent stand against galamsey and will use every constitutionally available tool to ensure compliance because Government-led initiatives like Operation Vanguard, Operation Flashout, and other state-led efforts have been monumental failures. The data shows that small-scale mining has negatively affected Ghanaians and, instead, has evolved into a tool for economic empowerment for the political class, chieftaincy leaders, and the elite. It does not appear that the rigid and bold stands of some traditional leaders like the Asantehene, Otumfour Nana Osei-Tutu II,
against this menace would yield the desired results with the carnage currently on the rise.
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. Therefore, we are calling on the Ghanaian people to support the call for a complete ban on mining in our forest reserves, farms, and water bodies.
UTAG will join all labour unions in Ghana to act decisively to ensure that the right thing is done. If this is not done by the end of September 2024, we will embark on a nationwide industrial action.
We have taken this principled stand against galamsey because our lives depend on it. We shall not waive our demand for the complete and total ban of galamsey.
It’s time to #BANgalamsey and ban it for good!
