The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has responded to a recent press release by the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, which it claims contains unfounded accusations regarding its strike action.
UTAG emphasized its role as a non-partisan organization focused solely on advancing academic interests, safeguarding members’ welfare, and promoting educational standards in Ghana.
The Association firmly rejected any accusations of political collusion or hidden motives behind its recent strike, which aims to advocate for a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting for minerals in water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands.
“The Process of Declaring and Suspending an Industrial Action Per the Constitution of UTAG, specifically Article XIX Clause 4: Action by the NEC to authorize An INDUSTRIAL ACTION shall be informed by votes of members at the Branch level.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC shall only make decisions based on the votes from individual members of Branches voting for or against the industrial action… It was on this basis that the NEC declared the strike action”.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
The Association further questioned how Professor Gyampo or the NDC could be seen as influencing respected UTAG members’ decision to initiate the strike.
UTAG affirmed that the decision followed careful consideration of the serious threats that mining in water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands poses in the short, medium, and long term.
The strike, UTAG explained, aimed to press the government to address these existential environmental risks.
Accordingly, UTAG emphasized its unwavering commitment to environmental justice and sustainability, noting that the strike was a demonstration of its members’ dedication to protecting national interests beyond issues of service conditions.
UTAG Denies Gyampo’s Influence in Strike Decision
Furthermore, the Association dismissed claims that the strike was politically motivated or driven by Professor Ransford Van Gyampo as baseless and distracting from urgent issues.
UTAG emphasized that its National Executive Committee (NEC), composed of seasoned scholars from various traditional universities, is not susceptible to influence by any single campus executive.
Such suggestions, UTAG noted, are an insult to the intelligence of its members.
The Association highlighted that its membership includes individuals with a range of political views, yet as a body, UTAG remains neutral and dedicated to its mission of advancing Ghana’s educational sector, social justice, and inclusion..
“The attempt to link UTAG’s actions to any political party, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is misleading and and unjust to our members, who are genuinely concerned about issues impacting their professional welfare and the general population.
“The statement claims that UTAG’s strike attempted to disenfranchise students in the upcoming December elections. UTAG holds the democratic rights of all Ghanaians, including students, in high regard. The timing of this strike was not chosen with any political consideration in mind, and any suggestion otherwise is simply false”.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
UTAG also affirmed its respect for students’ right to participate in elections and trusts their ability to exercise independent judgment in selecting leaders.
The Association also described the NPP Youth Organizer’s allegations of “sex for grades” as baseless.
UTAG further expressed disappointment at the attempt to connect past incidents involving Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, who was cleared by a University of Ghana committee, to UTAG’s current national cause, calling it an unfortunate and biased association.
UTAG Raises Alarm Over Impact of Illegal Mining
Moreover, UTAG expressed deep concern over illegal mining (galamsey) and its severe impact on Ghana’s environment and communities.
The Association explained that its strike was, in part, a response to the environmental crisis, reflecting its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
UTAG stated that claims suggesting the strike is unrelated to its anti-galamsey stance disregard the sacrifices made by its members in advocating for sustainable development and social justice for all Ghanaians.
“UTAG calls on all stakeholders to constructively address our concerns rather than casting aspersions leadership membership. UTAG open dialogue with the government to find mutually acceptable resolutions to the issues at stake.
“We urge the government, political parties, and all other stakeholders involved, to recognize the legitimacy of our concerns and to treat them with the seriousness they deserve. UTAG reiterates that it will not be swayed by attempts to politicize its actions or distract from its core mission of upholding the quality of higher education, advocating for accountable governance and advancing the welfare of its members”.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
Accordingly, UTAG called on the public, students, and all stakeholders to ignore any misinformation and to support its efforts to address the nation’s challenges through constructive dialogue.
The Association affirmed its commitment to integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Ghana’s academic community.
Consequently, UTAG’s NEC demanded an immediate retraction of these statements and an apology to the Association..
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