The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to roll out a series of actions aimed at piling pressure on the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Association says it will hold the government accountable for what it describes as the continuous destruction of Ghana’s environment, particularly water bodies and forest reserves.
Speaking to the media, the newly elected President of UTAG, Dr. Ivy Fiador, disclosed that the Association will soon unveil a set of measures to push for decisive action.
“Water is an essential thing, and that is what we drink. Now it may look like it is far away from us. In a few years, we are likely to be battling more diseases than we normally would. Already, as a nation, we are financially challenged.
“While on the surface, galamsey appears to create employment, and you have people revolting when we make a move, when you juxtapose the cost implication when you want to restore degraded lands or water, then you realise that the net present value is negative in the long run,” she said.
The UTAG President stressed that unchecked galamsey operations threaten not only public health but also the nation’s economic stability.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama is expected to meet over 60 civil society organisations on Friday, October 3, to deliberate on strategies to end illegal mining.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
