Leading member of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof. Ransford Gyampo has emphasised that members will not return to work until government is seen tackling illegal mining (galamsey) with tangible solutions.
UTAG announced an indefinite strike action on October 9, following an emergency meeting convened by the National Executive Council.
The decision to strike is to compel government to clamp down on galamsey to protect the environment, especially the river bodies.
“Following the referendum, the NEC convened an emergency meeting, invoking Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution. 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.
“All members are directed to comply with this decision until the government formally announces a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water,” UTAG said in a press release.
Since the announcement, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has been under backlash from some critics for pushing for UTAG’s strike action when Organised Labour rescinded its decision to stage a nationwide strike.
Responding to critics, Prof. Ransford Gyampo stressed that UTAG members won’t stop the strike until action is taken to deal with galamsey.
“When we are fighting to save humanity, they are asking that we come for what…? We aren’t all cheap. Universities won’t reopen and those in session won’t teach. They can go to hell; we won’t stop until they do something tangible,” Prof. Ransford Gyampo said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence under the instruction of President Akufo-Addo has deployed more military officers under Operation Halt to clear all miners on water bodies.
The ongoing exercise is expected to last four two weeks with government expected to implement other initiatives to end the devastation being caused by galamsey.