The President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof Mamudu Akudugu, has reiterated the association's decision to embark on a strike if their call for the government to take action against illegal mining and its devastating effects is not heeded.

According to him, a strike is the only constitutional means available to the association to put pressure on the government to take the necessary action.

Speaking on JoyFM's Midday News on Tuesday, September 10, Prof Akudugu acknowledged that the strike could disrupt academic activities but emphasised that it is essential for the government to act on galamsey.

“Strategic decisive decisions have to be taken and we believe that we are at that point that we are in a crisis and we have to take this decision. 

“Yes, the students will suffer but it’s better to suffer now than in the future. And so whatever decisions we make, they are taken with the future in mind. It’s something that affects all of us but we have to take this decision no matter how inconvenient it is,” he said.

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

UTAG has given the government an ultimatum, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if a total ban on illegal mining is not imposed.

In a strongly worded statement, UTAG condemned the government's efforts to combat illegal mining, describing them as "failed and corruption-infested militarised battles."

The Association expressed concern over the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey, including the destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover, a 35% increase in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and an annual economic loss of $2.3 billion.

“If the current trajectory continues, Ghana may be forced to import potable water within six years,” UTAG warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

When asked about the potential impact of the strike on students, Prof Akudugu stated that the students might even support the strike because the consequences of illegal mining affect everyone.

“..It’s something that affects both students and lecturers and even people who are not part of the university and so it’s not something we are taking lightly. We believe that students may even join us in the process,” he said.

Prof Akudugu noted that UTAG plans to engage with stakeholders and the government before the end of September to find a collective solution.

“We know that our umbrella body [The Trade Union Congress] is holding a press conference tomorrow on this issue. We just have to do what we have to do.

"We have to bite the bullet unfortunately because this is something that affects everybody and the earlier we understand that it has no political colouration, it has no religious affiliations - the better for us all to be able to take decisive actions that can stop the destruction of the environment of which our lives depend,” Prof Akudugu added.