Some members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have given the National Executive Committee (NEC) until Friday, October 18, 2024, to call off its strike.
UTAG began an indefinite strike against illegal mining (galamsey), on October 10, 2024.
The association said this followed 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 reflected the unwavering commitment to protect the country’s environment and livelihoods from the menace.
Therefore, the NEC 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.
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Prof. Isaac Boadi is the spokesperson of the group which describes itself as the ‘Silent Majority of UTAG’.
He said their initial vote across all 15 campuses in favour of industrial action was in support of the organised labour strike.
He argued that this strike by UTAG is a separate action where the NEC should have consulted with members and sought their input.
They have, therefore, decided to “advise themselves” if the leadership of the association fails to call off the strike.
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 union leaders the government had responded to the demands by announcing military deployment to the galamsey sites to fight the menace.
Consequently, they were convinced that proceeding with the strike would be needless.