The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed grave concern over the continued devastation of the country’s land and water bodies through the menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
In a press release issued on July 20, 2025, UTAG expressed its dissatisfaction with the actions taken by John Dramani Mahama so far in the fight against the menace, despite acknowledging some modest gains.
The release was issued after the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG convened an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, to review the government’s efforts in combating galamsey.
While commending the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the security services, particularly the Ghana Police Service under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for their contributions, UTAG’s NEC stated that “much is left to be desired as the wanton destruction of the environment continues unabated.”
UTAG also acknowledged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice’s directive to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate political actors allegedly involved in galamsey.
While deeming this a “commendable” step, the Association stressed the need for “more significant and coordinated action… to eradicate the galamsey menace in the country permanently.”
A core point of UTAG’s appeal is President Mahama’s voluntarily signed commitment prior to the 2024 general elections.
This commitment, encapsulated in the “National Pledge by Presidential Candidate Taken Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana,” was witnessed by both the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) and UTAG.
The Association views this pledge as a “solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people to combat illegal mining and restore environmental integrity.”
UTAG emphasised that President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet translated into the “concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge.”
As “a community of scholars, researchers, and defenders of sustainable development,” UTAG feels it is imperative to remind the President of his specific commitments and the urgent need for their fulfilment.
The Association’s message to President Mahama is clear; “President Mahama must now walk the talk.”
Read statement below:
BA/VPO
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