The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has threatened an industrial action over the government’s slow pace in dealing with illegal mining known locally as ‘galamsey’.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after an emergency meeting, resolved that it had to take action over the escalating issue which it says the government has not taken any decisive action on since it assumed office.
Although UTAG agrees that the security agencies have made some progress in their operations so far, the central government’s actions, it says, have not commensurated with the promises it made during the campaign period.
It recalled a National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining signed by then candidate Mahama, ahead of the December 2024 elections, witnessed by UTAG and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG). The pledge, UTAG insists, constituted a solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people—a contract the President is yet to honour meaningfully.
UTAG further listed some of the promises the President made on illegal mining which it hasn’t fulfilled, including:
- The immediate public denunciation of galamsey and its environmental harms;
- A directive for all illegal mining activities to cease, including the evacuation of forest reserves and river bodies;
- Empowering law enforcement agencies to act without fear or favour, regardless of political affiliation;
- Implementation of coherent, practical anti-galamsey policies;
- And the dismissal of local government officials who permit or protect illegal mining in their jurisdictions.
The government’s failure to fulfill these promises, the statement indicate, is the reason environmental destruction in the Ashanti, Ahafo, Western and Eastern regions have exacerbated over the period.
Although UTAG acknowledged the government’s actions towards some of its party executives for their alleged involvement in the menace, it says “more significant and coordinated action is needed to eradicate the galamsey menace in the country permanently.”
UTAG further urged the President to honour additional campaign commitments, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and the declaration of a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas.
“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—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments.
“We urge our members and the broader public to remain vigilant and united in protecting our environment for future generations. The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” the statement read in some parts.
