In a strong defence of the ongoing University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) strike against the activities of illegal mining, Professor Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana underscored the critical significance of the strike action, criticizing the government’s inaction to combat the activities of illegal mining.
His statements highlighted frustration, mistrust, and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues related to labour demands, particularly concerning illegal mining and its impact on public health and the environment.
When asked if the government had responded to the strike so far. “I have not heard this morning, we have not heard anything at all. When you say it’s it may be because we just started.”
He indicated that some individuals had reached out to him before the decision to strike, asking what could be done to prevent it. However, he emphasized that their requests came too late.
Politicians and Their Attempts to Prevent Strikes
He explained that this was a common tactic used to avoid proper negotiation until the last moment.
“This is typical of politicians. They won’t do the right thing, but when you want to strike, then they begin to call and find out what we can do to prevent you from going on a strike.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo, President UTAG- University of Ghana
He added that UTAG members are not interested in striking for its own sake but feel strongly about the current issue, which goes beyond standard demands for improved conditions of service.
“We are willing to die about it because it is an existential threat to humanity… and we are more fired to ensure that the right thing is done.”
rofessor Ransford Gyampo, President UTAG- University of Ghana
Existential Threat and Illegal Mining
The heart of the matter, according to Professor Gyampo, is the government’s failure to address the existential threat posed by illegal mining, which is severely affecting the environment, especially water bodies, forest reserves, and other natural resources.
He lamented the disconnect between the government’s promises and their actions, describing the situation as one marked by a significant trust deficit.
“It’s all about lack of trust. We don’t trust them… Sometimes the kinds of things they tell you behind the scenes, and then the different things they tell you at discussion tables, make you doubt.”
rofessor Ransford Gyampo, President UTAG- University of Ghana
Professor Gyampo emphasized that while government actions such as the establishment of specialized courts and the promise to revoke certain legal instruments allowing mining in forest reserves are steps in the right direction, they are insufficient without genuine commitment and trust from both sides.
Broken Promises and Delays
Professor Gyampo shared his frustration with the government’s inability to follow through on its promises.
He recounted how, following UTAG’s declaration of intent to strike, the government swiftly called for a meeting between organized labour and an inter-ministerial committee led by National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah.
However, he expressed scepticism about the timing and intentions behind such meetings. “I’ve been in labor unionism too long to know that politicians… deliberately hold such meetings just to be throwing spanners in your field.”
The meeting, held at the Alisa Hotel, yielded little result. Despite assurances that they would hear from the government within a week, no response came even after ten days. “They didn’t get the courtesy to even tell us that for XYZ reason we cannot get back to you.”
This disregard for basic communication further fueled mistrust, making it difficult for UTAG members to believe that the government would honor its promises moving forward.
The Need for Immediate Action
Professor Gyampo expressed his view that while government actions, such as tabling a motion to repeal the legal instruments permitting mining in forest reserves, are a positive development, they are insufficient given the urgency of the situation.
“If for nothing at all, at the very minimum, let the president just announce that henceforth, there is a moratorium on mining temporarily.”
rofessor Ransford Gyampo, President UTAG- University of Ghana
He argued that such a moratorium, even for as short a time as a week or a month, would demonstrate the government’s commitment to resolving the issue and could pave the way for broader discussions on how to address illegal mining in a sustainable and effective manner.
Professor Gyampo’s statements reflect a deep frustration with the government’s handling of labour issues and its failure to address illegal mining, an existential threat that goes beyond traditional labour disputes.
The UTAG strike, driven by a lack of trust and broken promises, highlighted the need for genuine dialogue, concrete actions, and immediate steps to protect the environment and public health.
For UTAG and other labour unions, the time for mere discussions has passed, and only decisive action will restore faith in the government’s commitment to resolving these pressing issues.
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