The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing nationwide strike, calling on members to stay united and steadfast as the leadership works towards securing the collective welfare of its members and the country.
In a statement released by the UTAG National Secretariat, Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG’s National Secretary, extended gratitude to all members for their “unwavering support, solidarity, and commitment” to enforcing the strike action across all campuses.
The strike, described as a product of the collective will of UTAG members, was launched as a response to what the leadership views as persistent failures by the government to address the concerns of university teachers regarding the existential threat of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“As the intellectuals of Ghana, UTAG upholds democratic values and respects diverse opinions from everyone. However, we remind everyone that these opinions must be expressed within the framework of our Constitution”.
Dr Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG National Secretary
The leadership underscored that the strike reflects the majority’s decision, stressing that the union is committed to democratic processes where collective decisions prevail over individual dissent.
Petition from Concerned Members
The statement touched on recent developments involving a group of concerned UTAG members led by Professor Isaac Boadi of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) branch.
This faction according to the statement has raised issues with the strike and has reportedly planned a press conference in Accra to express their opposition.
“This morning, we received an unsigned petition from him with a list of 57 persons, some of who are NOT Members of UTAG and others with incomplete names.
“We will engage him as the leader of the supposed group with the intention of addressing their issues through our internal processes, which have always been open to constructive dialogue”.
Dr Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG National Secretary
Dr. Mumuni urged calm among UTAG’s members across the 15 branches, reassuring them that the National Executive Council (NEC) is committed to maintaining open channels of communication to resolve any disagreements internally.
NEC Meeting to Review Government Responses
Looking ahead, UTAG’s leadership announced that the National Executive Council will convene a crucial meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, October 16, to review the government’s responses to their demands thus far and determine the next steps for the union.
The outcome of this meeting is expected to guide the association’s future actions regarding the strike.
“We are counting on your continued support as we chart a path forward, one that reflects our shared resolve and collective strength,” Dr. Mumuni said in his address to the members.
UTAG’s Firm Stance on Galamsey and Sustainable Mining
In a broader call to action, UTAG reiterated its unwavering stance against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to ravage Ghana’s natural resources.
The statement declared the association’s unwavering commitment to fighting illegal mining, framing the cause as a matter of national survival.
Describing illegal mining as a threat to the nation’s future, UTAG emphasized that its fight against the environmental damage caused by galamsey is non-partisan and driven by a desire to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
“We remain committed to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices,” the statement declared, underscoring that UTAG’s advocacy in this area is motivated by the collective interest of the nation, not political affiliations.
The leadership ended the statement by rallying members to stay united, emphasizing that the strength of UTAG lies in its unity and shared purpose.
“It is this unity that will see us through these challenging times and lead us to a brighter future,” Dr. Mumuni stressed.
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