The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is holding a critical meeting today to determine its next course of action as the three-month ultimatum given to the government to tackle illegal mining comes to an end this week.

In a press statement released on Sunday, 20 July, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s slow response to the illegal mining crisis.

The statement, signed by National President Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and National Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni following an emergency NEC meeting on Thursday, July 17, warned of potential industrial action if decisive measures were not implemented promptly.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews' Fatawa Bayaga on Tuesday, September 30, Prof. Akudugu explained the next steps by the university lecturers.

“Our water bodies, the water treatment plants are closed in some places and all, I mean, are threatening to be closed and all the rest of it. So these are issues that Congress would discuss and take a decision as to whether the measures put in place so far commensurate with the time that we give or the eight months or nine months that this government has been in power and what is the best way to go moving forward,” he said.

Prof. Akudugu expressed deep concern about the wider impact of illegal mining:

“I’m deeply concerned, and all of us share this worry. Aren’t you worried yourself? All our citizens are concerned about the state of our water bodies, rivers, forest reserves, and farmlands. Just yesterday, I read that the Peasant Farmers Association reported that over two million hectares of arable land have been affected by Galamsey, impacting more than 500,000 farmers and farm households. These are real, serious issues. We’ve also heard about the poisoning of our Kontomire, cassava, and other crops. We are all deeply worried, and it is essential that we take action to ensure this menace is brought under control,” he added.

On whether the union might push for strike action, he said:

“Most definitely, they'll take a decision that will be in the interest of the members of UTAG and also in the interest of the country. When would that decision be taken? As I said, today is Congress. We're having our presentations after the opening. We'll go into conclave and the decision will be taken.”

The meeting comes amid growing concern over environmental degradation and the socio-economic impact of illegal mining, with UTAG emphasising the urgent need for stronger government action to protect Ghana’s natural resources.