The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has directed its members to suspend their ongoing strike by Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
This decision follows weeks of industrial action that has significantly disrupted academic activities at public universities nationwide.
UTAG initiated the strike on October 10, 2024, to protest the government’s inaction against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
UTAG expressed deep concerns about the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, particularly the destruction of water bodies, which poses a significant threat to national sustainability.
In light of ongoing negotiations and discussions with the government, the National Executive Committee (NEC) has decided that UTAG members should return to the classroom.
They remain optimistic that their concerns will be addressed and that meaningful action will be taken against galamsey.
The strike, which began on October 10, 2024, resulted in a complete halt to academic work, impacting thousands of students nationwide.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the NEC issued a statement indicating that the government has assured them of intensified efforts to combat the galamsey crisis.
UTAG members are encouraged to resume their teaching responsibilities, but the NEC emphasized that they will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that their demands are met.
With the strike officially concluding on October 29, normal academic activities are expected to resume, allowing tertiary students to return to classes by November 1, 2024.