Galamsey: UTAG votes to decide whether or not to endorse October 10 strike

Members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have begun voting across various campuses to determine whether to approve a strike action, in accordance with the association’s constitution.

Voting at the University for Development Studies (UDS) has already concluded, with 311 members participating. An overwhelming 86.5% voted in favor of declaring an industrial action, while 13.5% opposed the motion.

UTAG President, Prof. Mamudu Akurugu, expressed confidence that members across all campuses would back the decision to strike. He confirmed that the voting process would be finalized by Tuesday, October 8.

“Our constitution requires that members vote on the declaration of an industrial action, and this process is underway. We trust that the majority of our members, who have called for us to join organized labour, will vote in favor of the strike,” said Prof. Akurugu.

Voting is still ongoing at other universities.

Meanwhile, organized labour remains steadfast in its plan to launch a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10, if their demands are not met. The group is advocating for a state of emergency to protect water bodies and rivers, a temporary ban on small-scale mining, and the repeal of L.I 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has met with labour leaders, requesting additional time to address their concerns, with reports suggesting that the government may agree to withdraw the L.I. allowing forest reserve mining.

Organized labour leaders are currently meeting at the TUC conference room in Accra to discuss their next steps.