Don’t let change in government water down your resolve to end galamsey — Education Minister to UTAG

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has commended the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for its bold stance on key national issues.

The Tamale South MP particularly praised UTAG’s fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, urging the association to sustain its advocacy.

Speaking during a meeting with the association, the Minister called on UTAG not to relax its pressure for action on galamsey simply because a new government is in power.

“I should particularly commend UTAG for the principal position you have taken against a national ill, which is galamsey.

“And don’t let the change in government water down your desire and strength to demand that the right thing is done. Government must respond adequately and sufficiently to resolving the galamsey crisis in our country,” Haruna Iddrisu stated.

UTAG embarked on an industrial action on October 10, 2024, to demand a ban on mining activities in forest reserves, farms, and water bodies, following increasing concerns over the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.

The association’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has stressed the urgent need for decisive steps to tackle the devastation of Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands.