The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to honour his campaign pledge to end illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, warning that continued inaction threatens Ghana’s environment and the livelihoods of future generations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 20, 2025, after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on July 17, UTAG acknowledged what it described as “modest gains” by the government and security services in addressing the menace. However, the Association expressed disappointment over what it sees as a lack of decisive and coordinated action to permanently halt illegal mining activities across the country.
The Association specifically cited President Mahama’s National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining signed ahead of the 2024 elections — a pledge witnessed by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) and UTAG itself — as a solemn social contract that remains largely unfulfilled six months into his tenure.
“We urgently call on His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to honour the anti-galamsey pledge he voluntarily signed prior to the 2024 general elections,” the statement read. “This commitment constituted a solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people to combat illegal mining and restore environmental integrity.”
UTAG noted that President Mahama has failed to follow through on his promises to publicly denounce galamsey, to take immediate action to halt such activities, to empower law enforcement agencies to clamp down on offenders without fear or favour, to implement practical and sustainable policies to eradicate the menace, and to hold accountable political actors and party officials linked to illegal mining. The Association observed that despite acknowledging galamsey as a national emergency, President Mahama has yet to declare a formal state of emergency in the worst-affected areas or visibly enforce the measures he promised.
UTAG cited the lack of action in regions such as Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo, where illegal mining continues unabated, and alleged that individuals with political connections remain untouched by law enforcement. The Association also pointed to the government’s failure to repeal L.I. 2462 and declare a state of emergency in affected areas as further evidence of unmet promises.
While acknowledging recent directives from the Attorney General to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate alleged political involvement in galamsey as commendable, UTAG stressed that broader and more decisive action is urgently needed.
“Illegal mining represents an existential threat, devastating our rivers, forests, agricultural lands, and future livelihoods,” UTAG warned.
The Association expressed its readiness to support the fight against galamsey through research, policy innovation, and civic education. However, it cautioned that failure to act could prompt UTAG to “activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments.”
“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” the statement concluded.
The press release was jointly signed by UTAG National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Professor Eliasu Mumuni.
