President of the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof. Mahamudu Akudugu, has called for a declaration of a state of emergency to tackle the illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking to The Midday News on ABC News GH, Prof. Akudugu said, “all processes available have been used and ineffective. It didn’t work. And that is why we are calling for the declaration of state of emergency. We don’t see how these methods implemented will bring an end to this matter.”
He noted that in July the government signed a pact with UTAG over concerns on illegal mining and its impact on the environment, stressing that the Association was closely monitoring the situation until the end of this month.
According to him, “we are going to have a congress and decide our next move.”
His remarks come in reaction to President John Mahama’s position on the matter.
The President, during a media encounter in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, stated that his administration would not rush into declaring a state of emergency in the fight against galamsey.
He explained that such drastic action must be a last resort, pointing out that existing laws already provide sufficient authority to arrest offenders, seize equipment, and protect forests.
Meanwhile, President Mahama outlined some successes in the ongoing crackdown on illegal mining. He disclosed that a national task force had seized more than 400 excavators, alongside numerous water pumps and heavy machinery. In addition, nine forest reserves previously under threat have been reclaimed.
The President emphasized that government agencies remain equipped with the mandate to enforce the laws without necessarily invoking emergency powers.
