The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued an ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding the immediate fulfilment of his electoral pledge to eradicate illegal mining, popularly known as 'galamsey'.

In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government's progress on the issue, warning of potential industrial action if decisive steps are not taken promptly.

The statement, signed by National President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and National Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, follows an emergency NEC meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

UTAG acknowledged "modest gains achieved by the government through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the security services", including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General's recent directive to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate named political actors for alleged galamsey involvement.

However, the UTAG stressed that "much is left to be desired as the wanton destruction of the environment continues unabated."

UTAG's core demand centres on the "anti-galamsey pledge" President Mahama voluntarily signed before the 2024 general elections.

This commitment, formalized in the "National Pledge by Presidential Candidate Taken Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana" and witnessed by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) and UTAG itself, is viewed by the university teachers as a "solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people to combat illegal mining and restore environmental integrity."

"President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet yielded the concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge," the statement asserted, urging the President to "now walk the talk."

UTAG meticulously outlined five key promises from the President's pledge that they believe remain unfulfilled:

Immediate and Unambiguous Denunciation: Despite promising to publicly denounce galamsey for its detrimental impact on the environment, health, and future generations, UTAG states, "We are yet to witness the operationalisation of this pledge after six (6) months in office."

Immediate Action to Halt Activities: While President Mahama publicly acknowledged galamsey as a "national emergency" on July 15, 2025, and vowed continued efforts by the national taskforce, UTAG criticised his "continuous decline to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-endemic areas," which they believe would give "practical meaning to the pledge."

Law Enforcement Without Fear or Favour: The pledge included empowering law enforcement and the judiciary to "ruthlessly enforce the law" against culprits "regardless of their political affiliation or social status."

UTAG noted, "We are yet to see this pledge materialised in a way that can halt and reverse the wanton destruction of our forest reserves, waterbodies and arable lands."

Implementation of Permanent Anti-Galamsey Policies: President Mahama promised to design and implement long-term policies to "permanently uproot galamsey."

UTAG contends, "We are yet to see any coherent, practically relevant and workable policies from the President and his government to address the galamsey menace permanently."

Zero Tolerance Messaging from Political Actors: The President pledged to rein in party officials and dismiss Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who entertain galamsey in their areas. UTAG highlighted that "no single one of them has been sacked despite galamsey still ravaging, especially in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Ahafo regions among others."

They further alleged that "Key members of the ruling party and government in these areas where galamsey remains highly active are allegedly involved with no concrete actions taken to arrest and prosecute them."

UTAG also called on the President to honour additional campaign commitments, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462.

This controversial L.I., passed in 2022, had permitted mining in forest reserves under certain conditions, drawing widespread criticism from environmental groups.

While recent government pronouncements suggest a move to repeal L.I. 2462 entirely, UTAG's statement underscores the urgency of concrete action.

The Association reiterated that illegal mining "represents an existential threat, devastating our rivers, forests, agricultural lands, and future livelihoods."

Reports indicate that by the end of 2024, the direct and indirect costs of galamsey on Ghana's economy and environment were substantial, with significant portions of water bodies, including major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, severely polluted. Key mining regions such as Western North, Ashanti, Eastern, and Ahafo continue to be heavily impacted.

In a stark warning, UTAG stated, "If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments."

This threat of a strike by university teachers adds significant pressure to the government, as previous industrial actions by UTAG have severely disrupted academic calendars.

"The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now," UTAG concluded, urging its members and the public to remain vigilant in protecting Ghana's environment for future generations.