There's a looming strike in the coming days, should the government fail to make significant 'progress' in its fight against illegal mining (galamsey), despite several key promises made.

In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG demanded that President John Dramani Mahama fulfill his pledge in eradicating the menace.

"President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet yielded the concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge.

"We are yet to see this pledge materialised in a way that can halt and reverse the wanton destruction of our forest reserves, waterbodies and arable lands.

"We are yet to see any coherent, practically relevant and workable policies from the President and his government to address the galamsey menace permanently," parts of the statement read.

Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge for the country.

Several Chinese individuals have been involved in illegal activities, leading to their arrest.

The then Akufo-Addo-led government was criticized for failing to confront the issue.

Before taking office, President Mahama expressed confidence in implementing lasting solutions to restore Ghana’s environment and protect future generations.

As such, President Mahama assured to repeal L.I. 2462, which he argued has been shielding the operations of illegal miners. The L.I. 2462 has yet to be accomplished.

To him, the first step toward collapse that illegal trade is to provide alternative livelihoods for those involved, such as a cooperative mining scheme.

“You are currently the president of Ghana, and it is your responsibility to deal with galamsey now. After January 7, 2025, when Ghanaians have elected me, I will take responsibility and sort out illegal mining.

"It looks like he doesn't live in this country because I have commented on galamsey extensively. The University of Energy and Natural Resources gave leaders a platform to outline their small-scale mining policy. I outlined NDC's policy and answered questions for two hours," he stated.

The President also revealed plans to introduce the‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’, to restore eroded environments as well as water bodies caused by illegal activities.

However, on 17 March this year, 460 Blue Water Guards were deployed to galamsey-prone areas; like the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom and the others.

According to the Ghana Police Service, a total of 208 individuals have been apprehended and 99 excavators seizedas part of the government's anti-galamsey operation.

These arrests and confiscation of mining equipment were undertaken between March and May in hotspots, particularly the Western Region, according to reports.

According to President Mahama, eight out of nine forest reserves known as no-go zones and controlled by illegal miners have been repossessed by the government.

A few months ago, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies.

The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion, according to the sector minister.

The joint Military-Forestry Commission task force that conducted targeted operations in high-risk districts across the Ashanti, Western, and Western North Regions led to the seizure of 100 excavators, three bulldozers, and four vehicles.

On the other hand, excavator owners and operators who have failed to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated.

Meanwhile, President Mahama activities a national emergency, requiring collaborative efforts to end the canker.

He has also reiterated the government's commitment to winning the fight against galamsey activities.

“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency.

"The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies.