UTAG Urges Immediate Nationwide Ban on Galamsey and All Mining in Forest Reserves, Farms, and Water Bodies
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong call for an immediate nationwide ban on illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, and all forms of mining and prospecting in Ghana’s forest reserves, farmlands, and rivers. The association expresses deep concern over the severe environmental damage these activities have caused, particularly the destruction of water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands.
UTAG emphasizes the failure of previous government-led initiatives, such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout, to effectively combat illegal mining. Scholars have criticized these efforts as ineffective, corruption-prone, and militarized, and UTAG agrees that these critiques are difficult to refute given the current devastating impact of galamsey.
According to UTAG, the alarming consequences of illegal mining are evident across multiple sectors. If the current trend continues, Ghana could face the need to import potable water within the next six years. Cocoa production, which has long been a key pillar of the country’s economy, has already seen a 45% decline this year. Additionally, illegal mining is estimated to cost the Ghanaian economy $2.3 billion annually. Furthermore, over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been permanently destroyed, according to the Forestry Commission. The Ghana Health Service has also reported a 35% increase in respiratory diseases in mining areas, largely due to the high levels of harmful chemicals like mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium contaminating water, soil, and food sources in these regions.
UTAG firmly believes that the only solution is a total ban on all forms of small-scale mining, as the environmental and health impacts have reached catastrophic levels. The association condemns the greed and corruption driving illegal mining, stressing that half of Ghana’s natural resources have already been lost due to these destructive practices. UTAG argues that continuing along this path will only lead to further environmental degradation and jeopardize the future of the nation.
Although some traditional leaders, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei-Tutu II, have taken a bold stance against galamsey, UTAG fears that the situation may continue to deteriorate without immediate and decisive national action. The association is urging the Ghanaian public to rally behind the call for a total ban on mining in sensitive areas to protect the remaining natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for the country.
UTAG has vowed to use all constitutionally available means to enforce this ban and has declared its intention to join forces with other labor unions to act decisively if no action is taken by the end of September 2024. Failure to address the galamsey crisis by then will result in a nationwide industrial strike by UTAG and its allies.
In conclusion, UTAG stresses that the survival of the nation depends on the eradication of galamsey. It is time for Ghana to unite, take decisive action, and #BANgalamsey once and for all.
