The President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch (UTAG-UG), Professor Ransford Edward Gyampo, has declared his support for the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey in its efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey on Thursday, December 5, at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, Prof. Gyampo lamented the challenges faced in the fight against galamsey. He noted that while various pressure groups had initiated efforts to tackle the issue, many eventually abandoned the cause. He explained that UTAG once took it upon itself to pressure the government to end galamsey. However, they realized they could not sustain their efforts as the government at the time appeared unresponsive and unwilling to act.
Prof. Gyampo also referenced a recent strike by UTAG aimed at drawing government attention to their concerns. However, he criticized the government’s lack of engagement, stating that key ministers were preoccupied with political campaigning and had no time to address their grievances.
To ensure accountability, he revealed that UTAG, in collaboration with some civil society organizations (CSOs), had signed a pact with six presidential candidates of various political parties contesting this year’s elections. The agreement seeks to gauge the candidates’ commitment to eradicating galamsey if elected.
He emphasized that with this pact, particularly signed by the two major political parties in Ghana, the Coalition and its partners can hold them accountable if they fail to fulfill their promises of addressing the menace of illegal mining.
