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The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong warning to President John Dramani Mahama over what it describes as a disappointing lack of commitment in addressing the country’s ongoing illegal mining crisis, known locally as galamsey.
Following an emergency meeting held by its National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday, July 17, UTAG released a statement expressing frustration over the government’s limited progress in fulfilling key anti-galamsey promises made during the 2024 election campaign.
The association recalled that President Mahama had signed a National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining prior to the elections. The pledge, witnessed by UTAG and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), was described as a binding social contract with the Ghanaian people—a contract the President is now being accused of failing to honour meaningfully.
UTAG’s statement outlined several unfulfilled commitments, including a public condemnation of galamsey, a directive for the immediate halt of all illegal mining activities, the removal of operations from forest reserves and water bodies, and the dismissal of local officials who shield or support illegal miners. The group also called for the empowerment of law enforcement agencies to act decisively, regardless of political interference.
According to UTAG, the continued degradation of the environment, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo regions, highlights the government’s failure to act with the urgency the situation demands.
While acknowledging that the Attorney General has instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate politically connected individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining, UTAG insisted that more coordinated and impactful efforts are required to end the menace.
The association further called on President Mahama to honour other campaign promises, including repealing Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas.
UTAG warned that should the government continue to delay meaningful action, it will activate all constitutionally available means—including industrial action—to compel the fulfilment of these pledges.
“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 concluded.
