The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has joined calls for a ban on illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, in forest reserves.

These activities have severely damaged Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. Many scholars have criticized the government’s efforts to combat galamsey describing them as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles.”

In a press release by its National President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, UTAG acknowledged that, given the current alarming state of illegal mining in the country, these critiques are hard to refute.

“Several stakeholders have revealed that if the current trajectory continues, Ghana may be forced to import potable water within six years. Cocoa productivity, once a cornerstone of our economy, has declined by 45% this year. Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy $2.3 billion annually.”

The statement added that the Forestry Commission has reported the permanent destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover.

It noted that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded a 35% increase in respiratory diseases in mining areas, with the alarming statistics continuing to rise.

The statement further noted that this situation is strongly linked to the high levels of particulate matter and toxic chemicals, such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and chromium, found in the water, soil, and food in these mining regions.

“The time for action is now. All forms of small-scale mining must be banned immediately. UTAG has taken a permanent stand against galamsey and will use every constitutionally available tool to ensure compliance because government-led initiatives like Operation Vanguard, Operation Flashout, and other state-led efforts have been monumental failures. The data shows that small-scale mining has negatively affected Ghanaians and has instead become a tool for economic empowerment for the political class, chieftaincy leaders, and the elite.”

The statement also called on the Ghanaian public to support a complete ban on mining in forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.

“UTAG will join all labour unions in Ghana to act decisively to ensure that the right thing is done. If this is not achieved by the end of September 2024, we will embark on a nationwide industrial action. We have taken this principled stand against galamsey because our lives depend on it. We shall not waive our demand for the complete and total ban of galamsey.”