The University Teachers Association of Ghana, UTAG, has begun a nationwide strike effective today, Thursday, October 10, to demand action from the government in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

It follows a meeting by the National Executive Council of UTAG where the decision on whether or not to proceed with the industrial action after leadership of Organized Labour pulled the breaks on a planned nationwide industrial action.

UTAG is demanding that the government formally announces a nationwide ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.

Meanwhile some environmentalists have expressed disappointment in the decision of Organized Labour to suspend its planned nationwide strike

WADR’s Naa Dedei Tettey reports.