The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced it will proceed with its nationwide strike starting Thursday, October 10, 2024, despite Organised Labour’s decision to suspend its planned strike. This move is aimed at pressuring the government to take more decisive action against illegal mining, known as galamsey.
In a referendum held on Wednesday, October 9, UTAG members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike, with 77.95% supporting the motion. As a result, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG has declared an immediate and indefinite strike across all 15 UTAG branches, effective from Thursday.
The association is demanding a formal nationwide ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies. In a statement, UTAG urged its members to comply with the strike directive until the government meets these demands.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo, President of UG-UTAG, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the association is determined to take a strong stand against the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.