The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed deep disappointment at the seemingly snail-paced progress in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and the government’s failure to revoke L.I. 2462.
UTAG says that while they recognise the efforts of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, who in recent times have been reported in the media risking their life visiting galamsey sites, they think the President must do more to support his assigns in this fight.
“We also acknowledge the efforts of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for his commitment to this fight.
“We call on the President to take decisive action in punishing those appointees and members of his Party who are frustrating the fight,” a communique they issued at the end of the Third Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the UTAG held at the Akenten Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) said.
UTAG further noted that Illegal mining is eroding environmental sustainability and directly undermining research, water security, and public health.
That end, “We call on the government to demonstrate genuine political will by revoking the L.I. 2462, halting all mining-related activities in protected areas, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. If the seeming lack of progress in the fight against this ecocide persists, UTAG will not hesitate to embark on industrial action as was done last year to press home our demands for decisive action.”
Last week, the Special Anti-Galamsey Operations Team conducted an intelligence-led special operation targeting illegal mining activities in Apremadi, a community at Amansie South in the Ashanti Region.
Eight persons were arrested while actively engaging in illegal mining activities. The suspects have been identified as: Karim Issaka (38), Samuel Dugah (35), Seidu Karim (35), Issaka Azitarigah (24), Boadu Desmond, (29), James Kabutey (21), Bashiru Idrissu (19) and Collins Amoako (24).
Read also: When are you repealing the forest reserve mining law? – Brako-Powers asks Mahama
Three excavator monitors, four excavator control boards, and three excavator gear levers were retrieved, and efforts are underway to convey the excavators from the mining site.
All eight suspects are currently in police custody assisting with the investigation, while the seized exhibit has been retained.
Also, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, in a collaborative intelligence-led operation with Dr. Hanna Bisiw CEO of Minerals Development Fund(MDF) and her team arrested four Chinese suspects for engaging in illegal mining activities in Atatam, in the Adansi Asokwa District in the Ashanti Region.
The operation targeted illegal mining sites along the Subin River and Jimi River, both of which serve as crucial sources of drinking water for adjoining communities. The suspects have been identified as; Li Quan (44), Lu Jianzheng (36), Li Xuyu (47), and Su Shanxing (63).
Read also: Speaker Bagbin hails Niger’s democratic rebirth, pledges Ghana’s continued support
During the operation, seven excavators were seized from the illegal mining site and transported to secure police custody. Four pump-action guns were also retrieved from the suspects.
All four suspects are currently in police custody, assisting investigations.
