Galamsey: UTAG declares nationwide strike.

 The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has declared a nationwide strike starting on October 10, 2024, in protest against illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey." The strike was overwhelmingly supported by 77.95% of UTAG members in a referendum. UTAG's National Executive Council (NEC) has called for an indefinite strike until the government imposes a comprehensive ban on mining in ecologically sensitive areas, including forest reserves and water bodies. The action comes in response to the devastating environmental damage caused by illegal mining across Ghana, which has severely polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands, and threatened communities.

While other labor unions initially planned similar actions, they called off their strike following government commitments to deploy more military resources to tackle the galamsey issue. However, UTAG remains steadfast in its demand for stronger government intervention, viewing illegal mining as a national crisis requiring immediate and decisive action.

UTAG's strike is part of a larger national outcry against the devastating effects of illegal mining in Ghana. Known as "galamsey," these activities have led to significant environmental destruction, particularly the pollution of major water bodies, the loss of farmlands, and the deforestation of protected areas. The university lecturers, driven by their deep concern for the long-term environmental and economic sustainability of the country, have taken a firm stance, demanding that the government implements a total ban on mining in all ecologically sensitive zones.

Despite government promises to intensify military efforts to combat illegal mining under "Operation Halt," UTAG believes these measures are insufficient. They want to see more concrete steps, such as a legal ban on mining in forests and water bodies. The association has also expressed frustration over the slow pace of action in addressing the crisis and views their industrial action as a necessary escalation to force the government to prioritize environmental protection.

This strike reflects a broader frustration within Ghana, where multiple sectors, including academia, environmental groups, and local communities, have raised alarms about the long-term impacts of galamsey on the country's natural resources. UTAG's involvement is particularly significant because it highlights how the fight against illegal mining is not just about immediate environmental damage but also about safeguarding the future of Ghana's academic institutions and their role in educating the next generation of leaders on sustainable development.