The Institute for Progressive Governance, (IPG) has expressed concern about the deafening silence of UTAG, on the rather disturbing statements made by two kingpins of the , (NDC), which seek to promote galamsey, when the nation is grappling with the existential threats illegal mining activities pose to Ghanaians.
In a statement to the press issued by IPG, the think-tank noted that University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), following the suspension of the planned strike by Organized Labour, has broken away from the mother workers' body to declare a strike, citing government's failure to declare a State of Emergency in the fight against illegal mining activities, a declaration UTAG has said is the prerequisite to a serious battle against galamsey. "UTAG, in all its media engagements, has indicated that it is committed to ensuring that the fight against galamsey is fought relentlessly until the menace is overcome.
One is tempted to believe that UTAG is calling for a holistic approach towards this fight, and that all other persons, agents or groups that may seek to impede this fight should not be countenanced", the statement reads in part. "It, therefore, comes as shocking why UTAG, after watching and hearing what Kwaku Boahen, a former Deputy Communications Officer and Mustapha Gbande, the current Deputy General Secretary of the opposition NDC have said recently, UTAG is yet to condemn them or call them out," it further notes.
The (NDC) has signalled that it will embark on a pro-galamsey campaign in all mining communities across the country as part of its 2024 campaign just like it did ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.