We want a temporary ban on small-scale mining – UTAG National Secretary

National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu, has said that the association wants a temporary ban on small-scale mining as part of an effort to deal with illegal mining (Galamsey).

For him, the first step to addressing the challenges is by placing a ban on small-scale mining for a short term while the other measures are also rolled out.

Speaking in an interview with Beatrice Adu on the mid-day news on 3fm on Thursday, October 19 in connection with the nationwide strike declared by UTAG, Prof Akudugu said “We want a temporary ban on small-scale mining.

He further indicated that they are prepared to assist the government with research on the implications of galamsey on the health of the people as well as the soil.

On Wednesday, October 9 UTAG members voted to declare industrial action in favor of a national ban on mining in forest reserves, farmlands, and rivers, as the broader coalition of unions suspended its nationwide strike set for tomorrow, October 10, 2024.

This move comes amid growing concerns over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.”

This sentiment reflects a growing frustration within UTAG and its constituents regarding the government’s perceived inaction on the environmental crisis stemming from illegal mining activities.

The decision by UTAG to strike stands in contrast to Organised Labour’s recent choice to suspend its planned strike, which also aimed to address frustrations over the government’s handling of illegal mining. Following an emergency meeting, union leaders decided to suspend their industrial action, citing assurances from the government that it would increase efforts to combat illegal mining. Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), noted, “We will observe the government’s actions before deciding on our next steps.”

While UTAG, as part of Organised Labour, is echoing the call for stronger action against illegal mining, its decision to proceed with a strike underscores urgency compared to the broader coalition’s cautious approach. This divergence highlights the complex relationship between labor interests and environmental advocacy within the collective framework of Organised Labour, with UTAG’s actions signaling a growing impatience with the slow pace of governmental measures against galamsey.

The illegal mining issue has sparked significant national debate throughout 2024. Despite the government renewing its crackdown on illegal mining, deploying military forces, and implementing stricter regulations, many areas continue to suffer from environmental degradation. Communities across the country have reported extensive damage to water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s initiatives.

As UTAG prepares to move forward with its industrial action, the implications for both labor and environmental policy in Ghana remain uncertain.

The strike could provoke further discussions on how to balance economic interests with the urgent need for environmental protection. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether UTAG’s actions will catalyze more robust governmental interventions or exacerbate existing tensions between various stakeholders in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.