UTAG Threatens Strike Over Mahama’s Broken Galamsey Promise
Lecturers urge the President to honour anti-galamsey pledge or face industrial action.
- UTAG demands urgent action on Mahama’s anti-galamsey pledge
- Threatens industrial action over continued environmental destruction
- Calls for repeal of L.I. 2462 and declaration of state of emergency
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong warning to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding immediate action to honour his campaign promise to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. UTAG says failure to act decisively could result in industrial action.
Following an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday, July 17, UTAG expressed disappointment over what it describes as the government’s insufficient progress in tackling the galamsey menace. While some gains have been made by security agencies, UTAG believes they fall far short of the sweeping reforms and actions needed.
UTAG reminded the President of his pre-election signing of the National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining, which was witnessed by the association and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG). UTAG argues that the pledge represents a binding social contract with the people of Ghana—a contract that remains largely unfulfilled.
The association outlined key promises the President has yet to deliver on, including:
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A clear and public condemnation of illegal mining and its environmental impact
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A nationwide directive to halt all forms of illegal mining
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Empowering law enforcement to operate impartially, regardless of political ties
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Enforcing consistent and actionable anti-galamsey policies
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Removing local officials who protect or permit illegal mining
UTAG highlighted ongoing environmental degradation in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo regions as clear proof that promises are not being translated into action.
While acknowledging recent directives from the Attorney General for EOCO to probe political figures linked to illegal mining, UTAG insists that only a broader, more coordinated response can eliminate the galamsey crisis.
They further called on the President to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and declare a state of emergency in severely affected mining zones.
The statement ends with a firm warning: if the President fails to act swiftly and transparently, UTAG will explore all lawful means—including a strike—to press home its demands.
“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” the statement concluded.
