The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced the suspension of its nationwide strike, which was initiated on October 10, 2024, in protest against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.” The strike, aimed at compelling the government to ban mining and prospecting activities in forest reserves, farms, and water bodies, has gained widespread attention and support from the Ghanaian public.
UTAG’s concerns stem from the devastating effects of galamsey on the environment, particularly its impact on water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands. The association believes that the unchecked destruction of these vital resources poses a threat to the future sustainability of the country. UTAG members, as educators and scholars, expressed their commitment to protecting the environment for future generations, seeing it as their civic duty.
Throughout the strike, UTAG members engaged in various awareness campaigns, using media platforms and a hashtag campaign to amplify their message. They also maintained a non-political stance in their advocacy, focusing solely on the environmental impact and urging the government to take decisive action.
Key demands from UTAG included the immediate revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462), a ban on mining in forest reserves, and the expansion of the government’s anti-galamsey task force to include protection of forest reserves. The association also took proactive steps by developing a “Pact for Candidates of the 2024 Presidential Election,” aiming to secure political commitment to eradicating illegal mining.
Following deliberations by the National Executive Committee (NEC), UTAG has now decided to suspend the strike, effective Tuesday, October 29, 2024. However, the decision will require the affirmation or rejection of its members, with the National Independent Elections Committee (NIEC) tasked to facilitate the process by Monday, October 28, 2024.
The suspension follows what UTAG describes as a significant demonstration of commitment to the fight against galamsey, which has garnered the admiration and confidence of many Ghanaians. UTAG remains hopeful that the government will take swift action to address the ongoing environmental crisis.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
