Engagement! Discourse! Action! Mastering the art of ending UTAG strikes

In the heart of our beloved country, a canker rages on. Many sectors of society have taken note, but voices have been muffled by the complexities of the situation.

However, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) may have found its voice in the unlikeliest circumstances.

In economically challenging times such as now, we are on strike for something unrelated to salaries and emoluments; we are on strike because of galamsey. Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about our side-hustled christened galamsey, I am referring to the real deal – illegal gold mining.

Galamsey has plagued our nation for years, threatening not only our environment but also the very fabric of our society. Amidst the rising unrest against galamsey lies a rare opportunity – the unique opportunity for the government to showcase leadership through engagement, discourse and action.

But will it recognize and seize this opportunity? Or will it remain trapped by the political calculus that perpetuates inaction?

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, organized labour decided to withdraw from the planned strike against galamsey, leaving many Ghanaians shaking their heads in disappointment. Many perceived this as a setback, raising concerns about the independence of organized labour.

In contrast, UTAG’s resolve to continue with the strike has restored the respect and admiration it once held among Ghanaians. Although some have questioned UTAG’s motives, the destructive impact of galamsey is so severe that any action against it is commendable, regardless of motive.

So, instead of getting bogged down in a debate about motives, let’s focus on how UTAG’s strike might just be the push the government needs to finally act. It might be far-fetched, but the withdrawal of organized labor probably clears the path for meaningful progress without the usual distractions.

As intellectuals who value reasoned and thoughtful dialogue, UTAG offers a more focused and effective engagement for the government than the entire organized labor. It would be prudent for the government to seize this moment and engage with UTAG in meaningful discussions.

And if what we hear is anything to go by, it appears both the government and UTAG share similar goals. Thus, by engaging UTAG, the government has learned the first art of ending a UTAG strike.

It’s almost a given that successful Ghanaian governments master the art of handling UTAG strikes. They do this by engaging in active intellectual discourse, fostering strategic partnerships, and implementing actionable plans to address issues.

The government’s response to the galamsey crisis thus far is commendable. A task force appears to be in place, and actions are being taken to address galamsey. It might be a good idea for the government to invite UTAG to join the task force already established to address the issues.

By sharing plans and genuinely seeking input and expert advice, the government can benefit from UTAG’s valuable insights. UTAG is not a detached intelligentsia; their practical expertise in mining, environmental management and community engagement can significantly enhance the effectiveness of whatever strategies being deployed or considered.

The government will be astounded by the exceptional quality of advice it will receive, perhaps, for free. Furthermore, involving UTAG and some key anti-galamsey activists in field activities, where appropriate, would underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively and transparently.

Brainstorming challenges, devising actionable plans, and establishing monitoring and evaluation protocols are UTAG members’ forte. Initiating an intellectual discourse with UTAG on resolving the galamsey crisis is the next step in mastering the art of ending UTAG strikes.

The optics of this partnership are crucial for both parties; effective media coverage will inform the public of the government’s genuine engagement with UTAG, while UTAG will feel valued contributing to an important national issue.

However, we must move beyond mere optics and into meaningful action. Before delving into that, let’s address the crux of the matter: a flawed calculus. The attempt to integrate the complex web of variables, interests, and influences within Ghanaian society has resulted in a political calculus that has paralyzed the two major political parties from taking decisive action on galamsey.

Chiefs, opinion leaders, pastors, investors, party financiers, and even law enforcement are allegedly entangled in galamsey activities. Politicians are acutely aware that the influx of galamsey money revitalizes communities, and a crackdown on galamsey has a ripple effect, often leading to significant political consequences.

Consequently, both parties have historically been reluctant to take firm action against galamsey due to the fear of losing political support from these influential groups and the communities that benefit economically from illegal mining.

However, this calculus is fundamentally flawed. The environmental destruction caused by galamsey is unsustainable and poses a long-term threat to the very communities it temporarily enriches.

The degradation of water bodies, loss of arable land, and health hazards from pollution will eventually erode the quality of life and economic stability of these areas.

By prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term sustainability, both parties have miscalculated—perhaps one more than the other—but both are complicit in the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources.

Like the proverbial wound on the ankle of nephews in Akan mythology—it hurts to debride (clean out), but it’s necessary to prevent gangrene, which can lead to amputation. We must ruthlessly target and dismantle the operations of the kingpins driving illegal mining.

Their activities are a blight on our environment and economy, and we must bring the full force of the law against them. While taking firm action against these perpetrators, it is equally crucial to engage the communities affected by galamsey.

This balanced approach will reassure Ghanaians in mining areas whose livelihoods depend on mining and those concerned about environmental destruction. By understanding and addressing the needs of these communities, the government can implement innovative solutions and offer alternative livelihoods. We must act decisively and inclusively to protect whatever is left of our forest and rivers.

The President has previously promised to put his presidency on the line in tackling galamsey—a noble promise worth keeping.  You may think you’ve done enough, Mr. President, but Ghanaians need to see more tangible action. Ghanaians need to be convinced that you are committed to keeping your promise and transparency is key to gaining public trust; this suggestion may be worth considering, Mr. President.

Mr. President, I urge you to consider reintroducing your famous “Fellow Ghanaians” addresses. Please conduct regular briefings to update the public on the progress of the task force in the fight against galamsey.

Let these briefings be akin to your presidential addresses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will highlight the importance of the issue, showcase progress, and outline the next steps. Mr. President, It is crucial for you to take charge of the communication around galamsey to reinforce your commitment and keep Ghanaians informed.

Such transparency can rally the nation around this critical cause and inspire collective action. You’re a brilliant, persuasive speaker and a skilled multilinguist – make the most of it. Mr. President, please reload “Fellow Ghanaians”

In Ghana, everything is politicized. Oddly enough, taking a political angle may be what it takes to motivate the political actors to address this crisis – so, here is the political payoff for fighting galamsey. Galamsey presents a unique political opportunity to the sitting government. By taking decisive action, this government can showcase its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.

While there has been much rhetoric from the two major political parties in Ghana regarding galamsey, decisive action has been lacking or at least, ineffective. The sitting government has the chance to become a clear leader on this issue. Being bold and addressing this challenge head-on offers more to gain than to lose.

Communities whose livelihoods seem to depend on galamsey are also victims. Let’s have frank conversations; let’s propose innovative strategies and let’s offer them viable alternatives. Such actions will resonate with voters who are increasingly concerned about the impact of galamsey on our nation’s future.

Engaging with UTAG and demonstrating commitment can turn a potential political liability into a strength. UTAG’s strike action is more than just a protest; it is a clarion call for decisive leadership. It presents an opportunity to break free from the political paralysis that confines us to a wheelchair of inaction and to gain political will for decisive action.

The sitting government has the upper hand and must seize this pivotal moment to transform a potential political liability into a strength. If it fails to act, the next government will, and they will be remembered as the ones who solved the problem, reaping generational rewards. The time for action is now.

In conclusion, I address my fellow UTAG members: We are all aware of the nuanced political interests within UTAG.

However, adopting a consequentialist philosophical outlook may be essential in navigating the current strike action. Motives can be complex, but when combating evils like galamsey, the primary focus should be on achieving positive outcomes.

We must put aside our political differences and unite in the fight against galamsey, always remembering that we did not inherit this land from our ancestors; we borrowed it from our children, who are counting on us to keep it safe for them.

About the author; Dr Daniel Amoako-Sakyi, is a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast. Email: dasakyi@gmail.com

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Suggested pull quotes:

1. “We must put aside our political differences and unite in the fight against galamsey, always remembering that we did not inherit this land from our ancestors; we borrowed it from our children, who are counting on us to keep it safe for them.”

• “Amidst the rising unrest against galamsey lies a rare opportunity – the unique opportunity for government to showcase leadership through engagement, discourse and action.”

• “By prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term sustainability, both parties have miscalculated—perhaps one more than the other—but both are complicit in the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources.”

• “The attempt to integrate the complex web of variables, interests, and influences within Ghanaian society has resulted in a political calculus that has paralyzed the two major political parties from taking decisive action on galamsey.”