The newly elected National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Vera Fiador, has reaffirmed the union’s firm opposition to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

UTAG’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is currently meeting to deliberate on its next steps following the expiry of the three-month deadline it gave the government to address the menace. During this period, the union closely monitored state measures to curb the practice.

“When we make a decision as UTAG, we take it as a body, and so it usually is what the people mandate that we do,” Ms Fiador told JoyNews. “Once we go back to our table and deliberate, if we believe government’s actions show good faith, the group may consider, but if not, we will take the next step and inform the relevant entities.”

Clarifying her role, she added, “I would not be able to decide for a group as large as a 15-member university. We will deliberate and come up with a decision that works for the union. I represent the union, not necessarily my personal interest.”

On the government’s efforts, the UTAG President said: “We would like to see more drastic moves. As academics, we know there are nuances, so we need to look at the picture holistically before making an informed decision.”

She also warned of the long-term consequences of illegal mining: “Water is the heart of everything. In a few years, we are likely to be battling more diseases, and already, the nation is financially challenged. While it may create short-term employment, the cost of restoring degraded land and health impacts is far higher.”

Proposing sustainable solutions, Ms Fiador stressed, “The first step is to repeal LI 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves. We also need more sustainable mining practices to replace mercury and heavy metals. It doesn’t make economic sense to gain a few million today and pay hundreds of millions in the long run. Together with all stakeholders, we hope to put the right measures in place for Ghana.”

The NEC is expected to conclude its deliberations later today and formally communicate its decisions to the relevant authorities, marking the next phase in UTAG’s campaign against illegal mining.