The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong call on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately honour his pre-election pledge to end illegal mining, also known as galamsey, which continues to ravage Ghana’s environment.
In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, 2025, and signed by Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu, President of GTEC, and Prof Eliasu Mumuni, National Secretary, UTAG reminded the President of his solemn commitment to halt galamsey and protect the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves.
The association, following an emergency NEC meeting on July 17, acknowledged minor gains under the Lands Ministry and security services but insisted that the destruction of the environment continues “unabated.”
UTAG stressed that President Mahama’s pledge, which was signed ahead of the 2024 elections and witnessed by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), remains largely unfulfilled six months into his presidency.
“We are yet to witness the operationalisation of this pledge,” UTAG said, noting the President’s own admission on July 15 that illegal mining is a “national emergency.”
Despite this, the association lamented his failure to declare a formal state of emergency in galamsey-endemic areas.
Furthermore, UTAG highlighted the absence of clear, effective policies or a firm law enforcement regime to clamp down on perpetrators regardless of political affiliation, calling out the silence on alleged involvement by key ruling party officials.
In addition to fulfilling the anti-galamsey pledge, UTAG is demanding the repeal of L.I. 2462 and the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in all galamsey-affected regions. The association reaffirmed its readiness to support sustainable interventions through research and education but warned that it would not hesitate to pursue all constitutionally permissible actions, including industrial action, if the President fails to act.
“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” the statement concluded, urging the public and all stakeholders to remain vigilant in safeguarding Ghana’s environmental integrity.
