News
UMaT to clean water bodies of mercury pollution
University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa in the Western Region, is set to undertake a project to clean major rivers in Ghana including River Pra, which have been polluted with mercury due to illegal mining, the Vice Chancellor Professor Richard KwasiAmankwah, has said.
The innovation, he explained, “is to ensure sanity in Ghana’s water bodies, safeguard riverine life and maintain their integrity for sustainable development.”
Prof. Amankwah told journalists on Monday at a meet the press series at the UMaT 6th Innovation and Career Fair dubbed “Think Smart, Be Innovative,” as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.
“Immediately, we are selecting Pra, Offin and Brim. For example,Pra moves from Mpraeaso in the Eastern Region and joins the Atlantic Ocean at Shamain the Western Region while Offin takes its source from Mampongin the Ashanti Region and joins Pra at Assin areas.
“These are very long rivers and if you clean them, the impact will be greater. Birim is also a very big river and I believe when we clean it, the impact will the better. Then, later, we can look at Bia, Tano and others,” he said.
Prof. Amankwahhad thrown a challenge to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources that UMaThad the technology to clear all the rivers in Ghana which had been made dirty by small scale miners.
Discussions, he told journalists, were still ongoing and that, “anytime we get funds, we will select at least two major rivers and clear them to show the world what we are capable of doing. We need a little push to get this one done.”
He said, mercury was widely used in Ghana and that when the chemical went into the atmosphere and settled on the ground, it interacted with bacteria and got soluble in water.
Prof. Amankwah said, mercury then washes into water bodies and crabs and fishes could take in the substance.
“When you go and catch a fish, it has mercury in it, and it is transferred into your body. Mercury can cause birth defects. It can influence the chromosomes of a human being.
“Therefore, when you give birth and because you have mercury intoxification in your system, you pass over something to that child that makes his ability to develop the neurosystem very weak.” he explained
Already, he said, UMaT had started looking for plants in Ghana that have the ability to stop mercury from the soil and from rivers and also developed a system to undertake phytoremediation of mercury from polluted lands.
The Vice Chancellor reported that UMaT’s members of staff and students had greatly worked in extending the frontiers of knowledge with the innovations and inventions, saying some experts were promoting clean water and sanitation and clean energy.
He said, a PhD research student had developed a tracking device to track activities on small scale mine site across the country and even at Walewale and that Minerals Commission had commissioned UMat for that project.
The student, according to Prof. Amankwah, would receive about $250,000 for his creativity and ingenuity.
News
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
