Association Demands Action or Faces Industrial Action
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) issued a statement on July 20, 2025, threatening industrial action if President John Mahama fails to fulfill his 2024 National Pledge Against Galamsey, signed before the elections. Following an emergency National Executive Council meeting on July 17, UTAG criticized the lack of decisive action six months into Mahama’s term, despite his declaration on July 15 of galamsey as a national emergency.
UTAG acknowledged modest efforts by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and security agencies, including the Attorney-General’s July 15 directive to EOCO to probe NDC executives, but noted ongoing destruction of forests, water bodies like the Pra, and farmlands, with cocoa production down 45% in 2025. The association demanded the repeal of L.I. 2462, which permitted mining in forest reserves, and a state of emergency in affected areas, per Adomonline.com.
Signed by Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, the statement referred to Mahama’s pledge as a “solemn social contract,” urging the immediate denouncement of galamsey, law enforcement without bias, and the adoption of sustainable policies. UTAG cited a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas and a $2.3 billion annual economic loss, warning of a potable water crisis by 2030 if unchecked.
The association’s threat follows a suspended 2024 strike after Mahama’s pledge, with Prof. Ransford Gyampo reminding the government of this commitment on January 22, 2025. UTAG’s call aligns with the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey’s push for a state of emergency, citing recent deaths in Ntrotroso and Obuasi, per News Ghana. Failure to act may trigger nationwide protests, UTAG warned.
