UTAG declares indefinite strike over 'Galamsey'

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has declared an indefinite strike, commencing today, Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The decision, according to the group, is in reaction to government's inability to adequately combat illegal mining also referred to as "galamsey."

The declaration comes after a 77.95 per cent of UTAG members voted in support of the strike action 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, said 2,762 members of UTAG took part in the referendum out of which 2,153 members voted in support of the strike action.

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

Speaking on Accra-based 3FM on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the National Secretary for UTAG, Dr Eliasu Mumuni said members are strictly complying with the strike action.

He said the group will call off its strike action if the government revokes LI 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.

He explained that UTAG also wants the withdrawal of all licenses granted under L.I 2462 for prospecting and mining in forests, protected reserve areas, and around water bodies.

Organised Labour's strike

Organised Labour on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, made a dramatic U-turn on an advertised nationwide strike in connection with the growing menace of galamsey.

The strike, intended to have started today was to impress on the government to take immediate and drastic actions to stop the wanton destruction of the environment, including the pollution of water bodies, in the name of small-scale mining, and revocation of the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves.

Moments before the intended strike was called off, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to the fight against illegal mining by directing the deployment of additional military forces to intensify the ongoing "Operation Halt" to curb illegal mining activities.