The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to end its nationwide strike by October 29, 2024.
The strike, which has disrupted academic activities across all public universities, began on October 10, 2024, as a protest against the government’s slow response to the ongoing illegal mining crisis, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’ UTAG had initially planned the strike in coordination with Organised Labour, but when some leaders of the group pulled out of the action, UTAG decided to continue the protest independently.
UTAG, alongside the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey and other civil society organizations, has called on the government to implement a suspension of all forms of small-scale mining and to declare a state of emergency over the galamsey menace. Illegal mining has been widely condemned for its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment, with many critics viewing it as a serious threat to the country’s future. UTAG has expressed frustration with the government’s inadequate measures, such as deploying the military to forests and rivers, arguing these actions have repeatedly failed to stop the practice.
Some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have warned that imposing a ban on small-scale mining could result in them losing their parliamentary seats, adding a political dimension to the issue.
In its latest statement, the NEC of UTAG has urged members to return to teaching. Tertiary students are expected to resume classes on November 1, 2024.
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