Galamsey: “We won’t budge until we see real action”

Prof. Victor Mogre, National Vice President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has emphasized that the association’s strike will persist until positive physical results from the government’s measures become apparent.

Speaking on ABC NEWS GH on Thursday, October 10, 2024, he articulated a clear demand for evidence of progress.

“We want to see the evidence,” he stated, highlighting the need for immediate action to address illegal mining.

Mogre expressed hope that the military’s involvement in curbing mining activities will yield visible outcomes soon, suggesting that “so some of the measures that the government have announce, if by next week we are beginning to see some of those measures taking place. We have the military taking action to stop mining in those areas..”

Mogre further urged the government to propose viable alternatives if it disagrees with the ban on small-scale mining.

He expressed that if the government can present an effective solution that aligns with their objectives, UTAG would be willing to call off the strike.

“We are not in it for the fun of it; it is to bring about change,” he emphasized, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the union’s commitment to advocating for a sustainable resolution.

In a related development, Eco-Conscious Citizens is pressing the government to revoke all mining licenses issued for operations in forest reserves.

During her appearance on ABC News IN THE MORNING, Executive Director Awula Serwah underscored the urgency of halting these activities, stating, “I’m not sure that it’s the time to suspend the demonstration, because the government has not given any specific time frame.”

She further highlighted the ongoing activities of the Minerals Commission, which continues to issue mining licenses despite the tension on mining matters in the country.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed the suspension of the enforcement of L.I 2462, a regulation on mining in forest reserves, effective immediately.

The decision follows a crucial meeting with Organised Labour on October 8, after they threatened to initiate a nationwide strike on October 10 if the government failed to address the growing issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.