The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has urged the government to impose an immediate nationwide ban on mining and prospecting for gold and other minerals in the country’s forest reserves, farmlands, and rivers.

In a statement released on Monday, 9 September 2024, UTAG made this appeal, highlighting the severe environmental destruction brought about by illegal mining activities, commonly known as 'galamsey.'

The association emphasized the significant harm done to the nation's natural resources and environment, characterizing the current government-led initiatives to tackle galamsey as “failed and corruption-infested militarised battles.”

“Have we not already destroyed 50 per cent of what our forefathers left us? The time for action is now. All forms of small-scale mining must be banned immediately.”

The association also criticised government-led initiatives such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout, labeling them as “monumental failures.”

UTAG cautioned that severe consequences could arise if the current trajectory persists.

“Cocoa productivity, once a cornerstone of our dear economy, has declined by 45 per cent this year. Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy USD 2.3 billion annually. The Forestry Commission reports that over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been permanently destroyed,” the statement noted.