UTAG’s silence on illegal mining amounts to complicity – Dr Zaato

Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a Senior Lecturer and Political/Policy Analyst at the University of Ghana, has accused the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) of failing to take a stand against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing its silence as complicity.

Speaking on TV3’s Big Issues programme on Wednesday, March 19, Dr Zaato expressed concern over the deteriorating state of Ghana’s natural resources, arguing that key institutions, including UTAG, have failed to act decisively against the menace.

“Our lands are being destroyed, water bodies polluted, and livelihoods threatened, yet UTAG and other influential bodies remain silent. This silence makes them complicit,” he stated.

Dr Zaato also criticised Parliament for what he described as unnecessary delays in implementing policies aimed at addressing illegal mining.

His comments followed the Minority’s decision to block the laying of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 on 18th March. The L.I. seeks to repeal the President’s power to grant permission for mining in forest reserves, a move aimed at strengthening environmental protections.

The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, was expected to present the instrument before the House, but the process was halted due to procedural disagreements between the Majority and Minority caucuses.

If passed, L.I. 2462 would strip the President of the authority to issue licences for mining activities in forest reserves, a measure intended to curb illegal small-scale mining.

However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the L.I. must undergo a pre-laying process before being formally introduced in Parliament.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga countered this, insisting that the L.I. is a straightforward, one-clause instrument that has already gained consensus.

“This was a major promise of President John Dramani Mahama and the government, and today, we are seeing the implementation of a key commitment aimed at addressing galamsey in our forest reserves,” he stated.

Dr Zaato warned that ongoing partisan disputes and bureaucratic delays were allowing illegal miners to continue their activities unchecked.

“Every week of delay allows more gold to be extracted illegally. If you multiply that over three weeks, you can only imagine the damage done,” he cautioned.

He urged all stakeholders—including academia, traditional authorities, and political leaders—to prioritise national interests over political and personal considerations.

He also called on Parliament to pass the necessary regulations, warning that failure to act decisively would have lasting consequences for future generations.