UTAG calls for nationwide ban on galamsey, threatens strike action

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called for an immediate and complete ban on all forms of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and general mining in forest reserves, farms, and rivers.

In a strongly worded statement issued on September 9, 2024, UTAG warned that if the government does not impose a total ban on mining in these areas by the end of the month, it will embark on a nationwide strike in collaboration with other labour unions.

The association condemned the government’s previous efforts to combat galamsey, labelling initiatives like Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout as "monumental failures." 

According to UTAG, these state-led measures have not only failed to curb the practice but have been marred by corruption and political interference.

Citing alarming statistics, UTAG stated that illegal mining activities have devastated Ghana’s environment and economy. 

The statement noted that if galamsey continues at its current rate, the country could be forced to import potable water within six years. Cocoa production, a key pillar of Ghana’s economy, has also dropped by 45% this year, with illegal mining costing the economy an estimated $2.3 billion annually.

UTAG’s statement further highlighted the public health crisis in mining areas, where respiratory diseases have risen by 35percent, and dangerous levels of toxins like mercury, arsenic, and lead have contaminated water bodies, soils, and food supplies.

"The time for action is now," UTAG declared, urging the government to impose a total and permanent ban on all forms of small-scale mining. The group expressed frustration that the practice has become a tool for economic gain for political leaders, traditional authorities, and elites, while local communities bear the brunt of the environmental and health impacts.

UTAG also pointed to the deforestation crisis, with over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover already destroyed, and warned that Ghana’s natural resources are being rapidly depleted. The association praised the efforts of certain traditional leaders, such as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei-Tutu II, who have publicly opposed galamsey, but stated that stronger, nationwide action is necessary to halt the destruction.

The association’s stance is clear: "We shall not waive our demand for the complete and total ban of galamsey." UTAG urged all Ghanaians to join the fight to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future for the country.

If the government fails to act by the end of September, UTAG has vowed to lead a coordinated industrial action to push 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!