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The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has condemned what it describes as a “shocking and unacceptable” attack on officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), allegedly involving the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo. In a statement issued on November 4, 2025, UTAG said the incident, which reportedly resulted in the unlawful release of suspects arrested for illegal mining, was a direct affront to Ghana’s rule of law and an attack on national efforts to combat galamsey. “This incident, which reportedly led to the unlawful release of persons arrested for illegal mining, represents not only an affront to the rule of law but also a direct assault on Ghana’s collective struggle against the destructive galamsey menace. “It is deeply troubling that such an act could emanate from a duty-bearer entrusted with upholding the law and advancing the national interest,” the statement read. The association expressed concern that such acts of interference and impunity from political leaders continue to undermine the fight against illegal mining, which has caused “irreversible damage” to the country’s water bodies, farmlands and public health. UTAG further called for an independent investigation into the attack and urged Parliament and political parties to denounce actions that embolden environmental lawlessness. It also reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising over 7,000 lecturers and researchers in support of sustainable environmental management. “The fight against illegal mining is not a partisan contest but a moral and generational duty. UTAG stands firm in its conviction that the survival of our rivers, forests, and communities is inseparable from the survival of the Ghanaian nation itself. “We call on all leaders—political, traditional, and institutional—to rise above partisan interests and act decisively in defence of the environment, justice, and national dignity,” the statement concluded. See the statement below: Watch the promo to GhanaWeb’s latest documentary, which uncovers the evolution of ‘kayamata,’ an exploitative practice fueled by love charms and manipulation, titled, “The Dark Side of Kayamata,’ below
