Political actors are making it difficult to fight galamsey – UTAG President Mamudu Akudugu
Mamudu Akudugu, President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), sounded the alarm about political meddling obstructing efforts to eradicate illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Prof. Akudugu speaking on Kessben FM stressed that despite the deployment of river guards, police, and military personnel, these security forces aren’t being granted the full autonomy required to confront galamsey operators effectively. He insisted that political actors and their allies are preventing law enforcement from doing their work unhindered.
UTAG itself has issued strong warnings. Earlier this July, it gave the Mahama‑led government a three‑month ultimatum to deliver real progress in the anti‑galamsey campaign — otherwise, the association says members could vote in favour of a nationwide strike
Prof. Akudugu emphasised the urgency: Ghana’s environmental integrity, water safety, food security, and public health are all at risk. Yet, despite some initial successes, such as license revocations and targeted task‑force operations, he cautioned against complacency, arguing that real impact demands eliminating political protection for offenders
UTAG has already offered to contribute research and expertise to support a more effective and sustainable anti-galamsey strategy.
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