UTAG declares indefinite strike over galamsey effective October 10
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has declared an indefinite strike, starting today, October 10, 2024, in support of a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting activities in ecologically sensitive areas. This decision was made after an overwhelming vote in favor of industrial action, with 77.95% of UTAG members across 15 branches backing the strike.
A total of 2,153 members voted in favor of the strike in a referendum organized by UTAG’s National Executive Council, which represented 77.95% of the 2,762 members who participated and called for an immediate stop to mining in forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.
Only 607 members opposed the strike, with just two abstaining. This outcome, described by NEC as “a decisive mandate,” set the stage for UTAG’s indefinite industrial action across all its branches.
In a statement released by the NEC, the association highlighted its members’ strong resolve to safeguard the environment.
“This decisive outcome reflects the unwavering commitment of UTAG members to protect our environment and livelihoods from the destructive impact of mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas such as forest reserves, farms, and water bodies,” the NEC said.
The referendum and now, strike, come at a time when people are increasingly worried about the effects of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” which has had a devastating impact on forest reserves, rivers, and farmlands in Ghana.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is demanding that the government take swift and decisive action to address the issue of illegal mining, which has devastating effects on the environment and public health. They are calling for an immediate nationwide ban on mining to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure the sustainability of local communities.
This demand is supported by the outcome of the recent referendum, which led to the NEC invoking Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution to declare a strike in response to this critical national issue.
“In line with this constitutional mandate, NEC has unanimously declared an immediate INDEFINITE STRIKE from the 10th of October 2024 across all 15 UTAG branches,” the NEC declared.
UTAG is urging the government to impose a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, such as forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies. The association has directed its members to comply with the strike order until the ban is officially announced.
In their statement, UTAG emphasized the importance of the strike, calling it a “critical national cause.” The association called on all members to stand firm in their commitment to the environment. “Thank you for your steadfast support in this critical national cause,” the NEC stated.
UTAG’s decision to take industrial action has added significant pressure on the government to address the galamsey menace. The government is already grappling with widespread public discontent over the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities, and UTAG’s move has further emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to address this growing concern.
