Amid growing concerns over the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana’s environment, Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana and CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, has revealed that the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is set to summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for a briefing on the government’s efforts to address the galamsey crisis.
Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints, Prof. Gyampo stated, “UTAG National Executives will soon summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to brief us on government’s efforts to tackle the galamsey menace. The fight against galamsey is non-negotiable.”
This announcement follows UTAG’s consistent stance on the importance of tackling illegal mining as a critical national issue.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana had previously urged the Akufo-Addo administration to take decisive action against illegal mining, which continues to cause widespread environmental damage.
With a new government now in place, UTAG remains steadfast in its demand for a robust and effective response to the galamsey crisis.
In its upcoming engagement with Minister Buah, UTAG seeks to hold the government accountable for its promises to curb the impact of illegal mining.
The association’s continued pressure underscores the urgency of addressing the environmental consequences of galamsey and ensuring that the government enacts measures that protect the country’s natural resources for future generations.
As Ghana heads toward the 2024 elections, the government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of the galamsey issue.
With strong calls for action from academic bodies like UTAG, the pressure is mounting on the government to demonstrate tangible progress in combating the illegal mining crisis.
