The College Academics Affiliation of Ghana (UTAG) has known as for a right away and full ban on all types of unlawful mining, generally known as galamsey, and common mining in forest reserves, farms, and rivers.
In a strongly worded assertion issued on September 9, 2024, UTAG warned that if the federal government doesn’t impose a complete ban on mining in these areas by the top of the month, it’s going to embark on a nationwide strike in collaboration with different labour unions.
The affiliation condemned the federal government’s earlier efforts to fight galamsey, labelling initiatives like Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout as “monumental failures.”
In response to UTAG, these state-led measures haven’t solely didn’t curb the observe however have been marred by corruption and political interference.
Citing alarming statistics, UTAG acknowledged that unlawful mining actions have devastated Ghana’s atmosphere and financial system.
The assertion famous that if galamsey continues at its present price, the nation could possibly be compelled to import potable water inside six years. Cocoa manufacturing, a key pillar of Ghana’s financial system, has additionally dropped by 45% this 12 months, with unlawful mining costing the financial system an estimated $2.3 billion yearly.
UTAG’s assertion additional highlighted the general public well being disaster in mining areas, the place respiratory illnesses have risen by 35 p.c, and harmful ranges of poisons like mercury, arsenic, and lead have contaminated water our bodies, soils, and meals provides.
“The time for motion is now,” UTAG declared, urging the federal government to impose a complete and everlasting ban on all types of small-scale mining. The group expressed frustration that the observe has turn into a instrument for financial acquire for political leaders, conventional authorities, and elites, whereas native communities bear the brunt of the environmental and well being impacts.
UTAG additionally pointed to the deforestation disaster, with over 2.5 million hectares of forest cowl already destroyed, and warned that Ghana’s pure assets are being quickly depleted. The affiliation praised the efforts of sure conventional leaders, such because the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei-Tutu II, who’ve publicly opposed galamsey, however acknowledged that stronger, nationwide motion is critical to halt the destruction.
The affiliation’s stance is evident: “We will not waive our demand for the entire and complete ban of galamsey.” UTAG urged all Ghanaians to hitch the battle to guard the atmosphere and safe a sustainable future for the nation.
If the federal government fails to behave by the top of September, UTAG has vowed to guide a coordinated industrial motion to push for the ban.
“It’s time to #BANgalamsey and ban it for good,” the assertion concluded.