International

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued an ultimatum to government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if a total ban on illegal mining aka “galamsey,” is not imposed. In a strongly worded statement, UTAG criticised state-led efforts to combat illegal mining, or “galamsey,” describing them as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles.” The Association lamented the severe damage caused by illegal mining activities, including the destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover, a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and a projected cost of $2.3 billion annually to the economy. “If the current trajectory continues, Ghana may be forced to import potable water within six years,” UTAG warned, underscoring t...