UTAG calls off strike over galamsey

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has suspended the strike it embarked on due to the increasing nature of illegal mining and the association’s desire for the government to put measures in place to curb the menace. 

It said the decision to suspend the industrial action was in line with the widespread and democratic vote by UTAG members nationwide.

UTAG stated that the current circumstances in the country as well as the interests of students, their parents and guardians had made it necessary to explore alternative legal avenues to address the critical issue.

“Suspending the strike was not an easy decision, as we recognise the importance of the cause we are advocating.

“We understand that this may disappoint some members of the public, and we do not take their confidence in us lightly,” a statement signed by the UTAG National President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, said. 

Action

Despite organised labour, on October 9, calling off an intended strike aimed at getting authorities to address the urgent crisis of illegal mining or galamsey, UTAG members voted for the protest and members have thus been on strike since.

Prof. Akudugu in the statement explained that: “Our ongoing campaign against galamsey has been driven by its devastating impact on Ghana's environment, water bodies and countless communities whose livelihoods depend on these resources.” 

Unwavering

Though the strike has been called off,  UTAG said it remained unwavering in its commitment to safeguard our natural resources from the harmful effects of illegal mining.

“The strike is over but our efforts will continue, we remain resolute and focused on opposing those who exploit the country’s natural resources with disregard for the law or the well-being of communities.

“Together, we will work to protect our shared future and uphold the principles of environmental stewardship, justice and sustainable development.

“UTAG remains steadfast in our mission to support the preservation of Ghana’s land, water and natural resources for future generations,” it said.

UTAG expressed gratitude to all members for their active participation, engagement and dedication to the fight against galamsey, saying it would not relent in its efforts to bring about meaningful change in the fight against illegal mining.

Background

Organised labour had, on Monday, October 7, this year, announced its intention to embark on a nationwide strike, calling on the government to declare a state of emergency on all forms of small-scale mining and the implementation of stronger regulatory measures to protect the country’s water bodies and revoke the legislative instrument that allowed mining in the forest.

However, on October 9 organised labour suspended the strike which was expected to be commenced on October 10.

It followed a meeting with the government over their demands on the issue.

However, UTAG decided to proceed with the strike on schedule because government had failed to adequately combat illegal mining.  

The declaration came after 77.95 per cent of UTAG members voted in support of the strike in a recently held referendum on the issue.

A statement issued by the Chairman of the National Independent Electoral Committee (NIEC) of UTAG, Dr Reuben Ayivor -Djanie, dated October 9, 2024, confirmed that indeed 2,762 members of UTAG took part in the referendum, out of which 2,153 members voted in support of the strike.

He, however, said 607 members voted against the motion to go on strike while two members abstained.

Meanwhile,  57 members of UTAG, describing themselves as the Silent Minority of UTAG, called on the National Executive Council (NEC) to call off the strike by Friday, October 18, 2024.