UTAG declares indefinite strike over galamsey

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has begun an indefinite strike against illegal mining (galamsey), effective Thursday, October 10, 2024.

UTAG said this follows a referendum on Wednesday, October 9, where members supported the motion to strike, with 77.95% (2,153 votes) in favour, 21.98% (607 votes) against, and 0.07% (2 votes) abstaining.

UTAG said the outcome of the referendum reflects the unwavering commitment to protect the country’s environment and livelihoods from the menace.

Therefore, the National Executive Council of the association unanimously asked members to lay down their tools immediately, until the government bans all forms of illegal mining to end the devastating impact on the environment.

“Following the referendum, the NEC convened an emergency meeting, invoking Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution. In line with this constitutional mandate, NEC has unanimously declared an immediate INDEFINITE STRIKE from the 10th of October 2024 across all 15 UTAG branches. All members are directed to comply with this decision until the government formally announces a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water,” the group said in a statement.

This comes after organised labour, the umbrella body comprising various labour associations, called off its intended strike action, which was scheduled to begin on the same date.

According to the group, the government had responded to their demands by announcing military deployment to the galamsey sites to fight the menace.

The Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, on Wednesday, October 9, added that the President had also directed the lands minister to submit a request to parliament for the revocation of L.I. 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves.

He mentioned that this, along with the establishment of 14 courts for the trial of all arrested illegal miners, showed enough commitment on the part of the government.

They, however, threatened to resume the strike if the government failed to implement its operational measures against illegal mining.

Below is UTAG’s declaration

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