Prof. Ransford Gyampo, President of the UTAG-UG chapter, has addressed concerns from certain members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) who are against the association’s decision to initiate an indefinite strike.
According to Prof. Gyampo, his investigation reveals that of the 57 individuals mentioned, 36 are not actual University Teachers.
Furthermore, he indicated that many of the remaining lecturers have publicly disclaimed any involvement, stating that they never consented to be part of the matter.
“I have seen an unsigned petition by some 57 people, presented to UTAG National and also delivered at a Press Conference held today. UTAG National would officially respond shortly and in a manner that would clearly set records straight while keeping the sanctity of our front intact”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
Prof. Gyampo asserted that it is inconceivable for 57 individuals, who are not all lecturers, to claim to represent the silent majority of lecturers.
He emphasized that such a small group lacks the legitimacy to issue ultimatums to nearly 3,000 university professors who collectively voted in favor of striking against illegal mining.
He asserted that this decision was made based on the pressing need to address the detrimental effects of illegal mining on both the environment and educational institutions.
According to Prof. Gyampo, those opposing UTAG’s decision misrepresented the views of the broader academic community by portraying themselves as representatives of the silent majority.
He added that they also undermined the vital democratic process that led to the decision to strike.
He emphasized that such actions distort the collective voice of lecturers and disregard the careful deliberations and votes of nearly 3,000 university professors who supported the strike.
This misrepresentation not only weakens the legitimacy of the dissenting voices but also threatens the unity and effectiveness of the academic community in addressing critical issues, such as the impacts of illegal mining on education and research.
Prof. Gyampo’s remarks highlight the importance of genuine representation and the need for a unified voice in advocating for the interests of lecturers and their institutions.
Gyampo Questions Lecturers’ Understanding of Galamsey
Furthermore, Prof. Ransford Gyampo pointed out that some members of the opposing group are fellow lecturers who, in his assessment, lack a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and implications of illegal mining.
He suggested that their opposition might stem from a misunderstanding of the harmful effects that illegal mining activities have on the environment, communities, and the educational system itself.
Prof. Gyampo emphasized that the strike action was not a hasty decision but rather a response to the urgent need to protect the academic and environmental integrity of the country.
By failing to grasp the full scope of these issues, he argued, the dissenting lecturers risk undermining the broader objectives that UTAG seeks to achieve through its collective action.
“It would be fratricidal for us to fight them publicly. We won’t allow our front to be broken by anyone who isn’t part of us. We would engage them to let them understand the reasons why we took exception to the unfortunate behaviors of the TUC and Clossag heads and went on the route of industrial action”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
Prof. Gyampo further revealed that UTAG does not plan to engage publicly with those opposing the decision.
However, he emphasized that it is important to clearly state that the association’s indefinite strike remains in effect and cannot be overturned by a small group of fewer than 57 lecturers.
Prof. Gyampo asserted that the decision to continue the strike is supported by the broader membership and will remain in effect until the UTAG National Executive Committee (NEC) decides otherwise.
This, he added, reinforces the democratic nature and authority of the association’s decision-making process.
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