GAUA joins call for total ban on illegal mining

The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has joined the growing call for a total ban on illegal mining to protect the nation’s natural resources.

In a statement issued and signed on September 11 by the National President, Michael Owusu Ansah, GAUA urged the government, regulatory bodies, and local authorities to strengthen their supervisory roles and ensure responsible mining practices by those with legitimate licenses.

“Irresponsible mining and galamsey have reached a critical point, wreaking havoc on Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and arable lands,” the statement read.

Mr. Ansah explained that water supply in tertiary institutions had been severely affected, with some campuses going weeks without access to running water.

“Academic activities, as well as our university health facilities, are at risk of deterioration due to the lack of potable water. There are serious implications for our students and staff working in such conditions with contaminated water and a lack of clean water,” he added.

He also condemned the weak response of state agencies responsible for tackling illegal mining, expressing disappointment at their lack of action.

“Posterity will judge us all for the lacklustre attitude toward this menace. Our lives and livelihoods depend on a green and safe environment. We cannot allow history to record that we stood by and did nothing as our nation's resources were plundered and our environment devastated by a few greedy people,” Mr. Ansah said.