The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has declared to embark on an indefinite strike effective Thursday, October 10, 2024, to protest against the government’s failure to ban illegal mining also known as galamsey.
UTAG’s move comes despite Organised Labour’s suspension of a planned industrial action scheduled for October 10, 2024, over the health risk the activities of illegal mining pose to the country.
In a referendum held on Wednesday, 9th October, UTAG members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the strike, with 77.95% (2,153 votes) supporting the motion, 21.98% (607 votes) opposing, and 0.07% (2 votes) abstaining.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG unanimously invoked Article XIX, Clause 5 of its constitution, declaring an immediate and indefinite strike across all 15 University Teachers Association of Ghana branches.
In a statement dated October 10, 2024, the leadership of the University Teachers Association said “A total of two thousand seven hundred and sixty-two (2,762) members across the 15 Member Branches cast their votes.
Out of this, two thousand one hundred and fifty-three (2,153), representing 77.95% of the total votes, voted YES for the motion, while six hundred and seven (607), representing 21.98% of the total votes, voted NO against the motion. Two(2) members, representing 0.07% of the total votes, voted to abstain.”
UTAG has therefore instructed its members to comply with the strike until the government formally announces a nationwide ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.
“With an overwhelming majority of 77.95% voting in favour, the National Independent Elections Committee (NIEC) declares the motion CARRIED.
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.
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 University Teachers Association of Ghana (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 bodies,” UTAG said in the statement.