The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called for civil disobedience as a means to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as 'galamsey'.

The chapter’s President, Prof Eric Abavare, expressed concern over the poor enforcement of laws governing the mining sector.

Speaking to Accra-based Citi News, he suggested that civil disobedience might be the only way to hold the government accountable.

“This call for me is not even about banning, but I truly call for civil disobedience,” he said.

Civil disobedience involves the active and public refusal of citizens to obey certain laws, demands, orders, or commands of a government.

• Read also: UTAG threatens strike over illegal mining by end of September

Prof Abavare believes this approach may be the most effective way to compel those in power to take action.

The mother body, on September 9, issued an ultimatum to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if a total ban on illegal mining also known as “galamsey,” is not imposed.

In a strongly worded statement, UTAG criticised state-led efforts to combat illegal mining, or “galamsey,” describing them as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles.”

The Association lamented the severe damage caused by illegal mining activities, including the destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover, a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and a projected cost of $2.3 billion annually to the economy.