Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has commended the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for its consistent advocacy in urging the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the 22nd Biennial Congress of UTAG in Aburi, the Minister stressed the importance of the fight, noting its impact on the environment and public health.
“Professor Chair, I cannot assume my seat once again without praising UTAG for your principled position on galamsey. We need quality air to breathe, and we need quality water to drink. Don’t waver in demanding that the right be done so our country succeeds in this fight,” he said.
His remarks come as UTAG meets to decide whether to embark on a strike, following the expiration of a three-month ultimatum it gave government in July to address the menace.
In its July press statement, UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC), led by President Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as government’s slow response to the crisis. The NEC had warned that failure to act decisively would trigger industrial action.
Speaking to JoyNews on Tuesday, Prof. Akudugu said UTAG is weighing its options now that the deadline has elapsed.
Source: Angel No Lie
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