The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has held a meeting with the government to remind it of a pact signed ahead of the 2024 elections to end illegal mining (galamsey) within three months of assuming office.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a Political Science lecturer and President of the University of Ghana chapter of UTAG, disclosed this in a social media post following the meeting on January 22, 2025.
“We (UTAG) suspended our galamsey strike because, at the time, the government was nearly non-existent. We signed a PACT with all aspirants to halt galamsey within three months of their government. We’ve just met with the government to remind them of the PACT,” he wrote.
Background
Before the 2024 elections, UTAG embarked on a strike to pressure the government to take decisive action against galamsey.
The strike was suspended to allow students to return to class after UTAG signed an agreement with political aspirants, committing them to address the galamsey issue if elected.
The decision to suspend the strike, according to a statement from UTAG National President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, followed a nationwide democratic vote by its members.
While acknowledging the potential disappointment from some sections of the public, UTAG assured that the fight against illegal mining remains a priority.
The association has now reiterated its call for immediate government action to uphold its commitment to halting galamsey.