Prof. Vera Fiador
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to implement a series of actions aimed at compelling the government to intensify efforts in dealing with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
UTAG, in a statement signed on July 30 by then National President, Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and National Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni following an emergency NEC meeting on Thursday, July 17, warned of potential industrial action if government fails to provide concrete steps to deal with the galamsey fight.
But speaking in an interview on JoyNews last Tuesday, immediate past President of UTAG, Prof. Akudugu, who expressed wider impact of illegal mining, said it was aware of the report by Peasant Farmers Association that over two million hectares of arable land have been affected by galamsey, impacting more than 500,000 farmers and farm households.
“These are real, serious issues. We’ve also heard about the poisoning of our kontomire, cassava, and other crops. We are all deeply worried, and it is essential that we take action to ensure this menace is brought under control,” he stated.
When asked whether UTAG might consider a strike action, he said, “Most definitely, we’ll take a decision that will be in the interest of the members of UTAG and also in the interest of the country. Today is Congress, we’ll go into conclave and the decision will be taken,” he said.
The newly elected UTAG President, Prof. Vera Fiador, for her part, said while illegal mining may appear to offer employment opportunities, the overall impact is far more damaging, adding that the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources is negative in the long run.
She reiterated that the Association will soon unveil a set of measures to push for decisive action to hold the government accountable and drive national attention toward the urgent need to tackle galamsey.
“At first glance, galamsey seems to provide jobs, and there’s often resistance when attempts are made to halt it. However, when you consider the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources, the net effect is negative in the long run,” she stressed.
In a related development, President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, has invited civil society organisations (CSOs) to the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, to discuss issues on the galamsey menace.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah