A faction of university lecturers and professors, known as the ‘Silent Majority’ of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has urged the national leadership of UTAG to immediately call off its ongoing strike over illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
The group, which held a press conference on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, contended that the strike deviates from UTAG’s core mandate and compromises the academic needs of students.
Led by Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of Accounting and Finance at the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the group argued that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of UTAG had overstepped its mandate by continuing the strike even after Organised Labour, the umbrella body leading the movement, suspended its industrial action.
“As observed by the motion, our endorsement was in support of Organised Labour to embark on a nationwide strike. UTAG, as a member of Organised Labour, was represented in all deliberations.
“It stands to reason that the mandate granted to the NEC expired with the suspension of the strike by Organised Labour.”
Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of Accounting and Finance at the UPSA
Professor Boadi explained that when Organised Labour suspended its strike on 9 October, UTAG’s reasons for continuing industrial action ceased to exist.
He added that the NEC’s decision to declare an indefinite strike, without consulting its members for a new mandate, was inappropriate and did not reflect the initial purpose of their involvement.
According to him, UTAG’s membership had voted to support the collective action of Organised Labour, not to pursue a separate, unilateral agenda.
“We were taken aback by the media commentary by some members of NEC and the subsequent declaration of an indefinite strike. This was not the mandate that the NEC of UTAG sought from member campuses,” Professor Boadi stated.
He added that the NEC should have allowed members to decide on whether to proceed with the strike, considering the new developments with Organised Labour.
The group also called into question the effectiveness of the strike in addressing the galamsey issue, noting that while the fight against illegal mining is critical, UTAG’s involvement in a strike is not the best approach.
Call for Government Accountability and Action
The Silent Majority of UTAG recommended that UTAG work with the government to ensure the proper implementation of the agreed-upon measures to combat galamsey.
“We are of the firm conviction that the NEC should focus its attention on holding the government accountable for how it is implementing the roadmap presented to Organised Labour,” Professor Boadi suggested.
In a bold move, the Silent Majority presented a set of immediate demands to the national leadership of UTAG, urging them to call off the strike by Friday, October 18, 2024.
“Constitute a team that will monitor the implementation of the government’s roadmap to addressing the galamsey menace.
“Take leadership in inviting all Presidential Candidates including parliamentary Candidates in Mining Constituencies to sign and publicly declare their support for the national actions being taken to address illegal mining in Ghana.”
Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of Accounting and Finance at the UPSA
The group reiterated that their intention was not to undermine the efforts of the NEC but to ensure that UTAG’s actions were in the best interests of its members, the student body, and the nation.
“We remain committed to working together towards a resolution that protects the interests of all members while maintaining unity within the union and the country at large,” Professor Boadi concluded.
“We commend the Ghanaian populace for their collective resolve in addressing the menace of galamsey once and for all. This is a battle that requires the effort of every Ghanaian, and we urge all to come together in this fight.”
Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of Accounting and Finance at the UPSA
With the October 18 deadline approaching, all eyes are now on the national leadership of UTAG to see whether they will heed the calls of their colleagues and call off the strike, or if the industrial action will continue amidst growing discontent within the ranks of the association.
