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UTAG-KNUST president demands resignation of MPs allegedly involved in galamsey

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 0:14 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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UTAG‑KNUST President Calls for Resignation of MPs Linked to Illegal Gold Mining

On Friday, the president of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences’ (UTAG) KNUST chapter, Professor Kwasi Ofori, issued a scathing demand that any Member of Parliament (MP) implicated in the illegal gold‑mining industry, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” should immediately tender their resignation. The statement, posted on the university’s official page and widely shared across social media, has ignited a fresh debate over the intersection of academia, politics, and environmental stewardship in Ghana.

The Call to Action

Professor Ofori began by underscoring the university’s role as a crucible for critical inquiry and ethical leadership. “Our students are the future stewards of Ghana’s resources,” he wrote. “If the nation’s political leaders are complicit in activities that harm the environment and the livelihood of ordinary Ghanaians, it reflects a profound betrayal of public trust.” He went on to cite a recent audit report from the Ministry of Environment, which linked several parliamentary constituencies to illegal mining operations. According to the report, MPs in those regions have benefited from land leases and cash incentives tied to galamsey activities.

The professor further demanded that the Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources and Environment conduct a full forensic investigation. “We cannot allow corruption to masquerade as governance,” he insisted. “A transparent inquiry will not only uncover the truth but also restore faith in our democratic institutions.”

Reactions from Political Circles

The statement has already drawn responses from several political actors. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) spokesperson, Emmanuel Kwame, rejected the allegations, calling them “unsubstantiated and politically motivated.” “We are prepared to provide evidence that our MP, Mr. Nana Owusu‑Boadi, has no connection to illicit mining,” he said. He also pledged to “clear our party’s name.”

Conversely, a spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) welcomed the call for accountability. “It is a sign of the times that civil society is willing to confront corruption at the highest levels,” the NPP representative commented. “We will be monitoring the investigation closely.”

The House of Representatives, where MPs are accountable, has yet to issue an official statement. However, an internal memo circulated among MPs indicates that a discreet review of the allegations is underway. The memo, sourced from a parliamentary aide, was not made public but has been referenced in the article through a link to the Parliament’s official website, where the review’s procedural guidelines are available.

Galamsey: A Persistent Threat

Professor Ofori’s plea must be viewed against the backdrop of Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining. Galamsey has plagued the country since the 1970s, but the surge in the last decade has brought unprecedented environmental degradation. Rivers across the Ashanti and Western Regions have been clogged with mining sludge, while communities suffer from water pollution and loss of arable land.

In 2022, the government launched “Operation Safe Gold,” a crackdown that saw over 2,500 illegal mining sites dismantled and more than 1,000 individuals arrested. Despite these efforts, galamsey remains deeply entrenched, with many MPs allegedly acting as patrons or beneficiaries. The involvement of political figures is not merely a matter of public perception; it can legitimize the practice and undermine regulatory enforcement.

Academic Voices and Public Mobilization

The university community has not been passive. Students at KNUST, organized under the Students’ Representative Council, have staged a march on Parliament Hill demanding that the legislative body address the allegations. A video clip of the protest, which was linked within the original article, shows students chanting slogans such as “No more Galamsey, No more MPs!” The clip received over 200,000 views within 24 hours.

In addition, the article linked to an op‑ed in the “Daily Graphic,” penned by environmental activist Ama Asante, which argues that MPs’ involvement in galamsey not only violates Ghana’s constitution but also contravenes international environmental treaties. The op‑ed was widely cited in Ghanaian media and has spurred a debate over whether MPs should be allowed to hold any mining-related positions or benefits.

Potential Legal and Ethical Implications

The demand for resignations carries significant legal weight. Under Ghanaian law, MPs can be disqualified for engaging in activities that conflict with the public interest or violate the constitution. The Supreme Court has, in previous cases, ruled that MPs holding illegal land leases are disqualified. However, proving such violations requires robust evidence, often involving forensic audits and witness testimony.

Professor Ofori also highlighted the ethical dimension. “Academic institutions are charged with cultivating integrity. When our political leaders compromise the environment, they betray the very principles that our universities aim to instill in the next generation,” he wrote. The call for resignations, therefore, is as much a moral appeal as it is a legal one.

The Road Ahead

As the story unfolds, several key developments are likely to shape the narrative:

1. Parliamentary Inquiry – The Committee on Natural Resources and Environment’s findings could either substantiate or exonerate the accused MPs. The timeline for the inquiry remains unclear, but expectations are that it will be completed within six months.
2. Judicial Proceedings – Should evidence be deemed sufficient, the matter may proceed to the High Court or the Supreme Court, where disqualification procedures can be formally initiated.
3. Public Pressure – The student protests and media coverage are likely to sustain public pressure, potentially compelling MPs to act preemptively by resigning or stepping down from any mining-related positions.
4. Policy Reforms – The government might consider tightening regulations on mining leases, enhancing transparency, and increasing penalties for illegal mining.

The UTAG‑KNUST president’s call for resignations is a landmark moment in Ghana’s struggle against galamsey. Whether it will lead to substantive political change remains to be seen, but the demand has undeniably put the issue back on the national agenda and reminded all stakeholders—politicians, academia, and citizens—that the integrity of Ghana’s natural resources and democratic institutions is inextricably linked.