The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has responded strongly to a petition challenging its recent decision to embark on an indefinite strike, affirming that the strike is a necessary measure to pressure the government into addressing the dire threat of illegal mining.
In a detailed rebuttal, UTAG’s National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, underscored that the strike is grounded in UTAG’s constitutional mandate and widespread member support, countering the petition’s arguments as both misleading and unethical.
“We acknowledge receipt of your October 14, 2024, petition titled ‘Petition Against the Recent Indefinite Strike Action by UTAG NEC.’ We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised by the undersigned members. UTAG remains firmly committed to the democratic processes that underpin all our actions”.
Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu National President, UTAG and Dr Eliasu Mumuni National Secretary, UTAG
In its response, UTAG emphasized that the decision to declare an indefinite strike followed extensive consultations and a democratic voting process across all UTAG branches.
The leadership stressed that the strike was initiated based on a mandate from its membership, contrary to the claims of unilateral action.
According to the UTAG secretariat, the process began with a press release on September 9, 2024, demanding an immediate ban on mining activities in environmentally sensitive areas, including forest reserves and river bodies, threatening industrial action if the government failed to act by September 30, 2024.
“Every decision, including the current strike, has been made in full consultation with our membership across all campuses based on the mandate entrusted to the leadership”.
Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu National President, UTAG and Dr Eliasu Mumuni National Secretary, UTAG
UTAG added that members across campuses overwhelmingly supported the decision to strike, which followed constitutional procedures outlined in Article IX of UTAG’s constitution.
The article according to the leadership of UTAG stipulates that industrial action must be voted upon by members at the branch level, and when the majority approves, NEC determines the nature and commencement date of the strike.
Concerns over Petition Credibility
UTAG also cast doubt on the integrity of the petition itself, pointing out that it included individuals who are not UTAG members and that some members’ names were added without their prior consent.
UTAG described these actions as unprofessional and unethical, arguing that they were deliberate attempts to discredit the association’s collective efforts.
“Additionally, your group intentionally disregarded multiple briefings and consciously avoided engagements to address your concerns through the appropriate Local, National and NEC channels, which is well captured by the UTAG constitution.
Despite the lapses and the disingenuous hidden motives in your petition that ordinarily should not have merited a response for the purposes of unity and togetherness, we still deem it necessary to respond”.
Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu National President, UTAG and Dr Eliasu Mumuni National Secretary, UTAG
UTAG’s Environmental Advocacy and Independence from Organised Labour
One of the petition’s key misunderstandings, according to UTAG, was the claim that its industrial action was linked to Organised Labour’s nationwide strike on October 10, 2024.
UTAG clarified that its strike was entirely independent of Organised Labour’s demands, which included a state of emergency in mining areas.
UTAG’s strike, the leadership argued, was solely focused on the nationwide ban on mining activities and protecting Ghana’s environmental and economic future from the devastating impact of illegal mining, or “galamsey.”
“Our support for the ban on mining stems from the existential threat posed by illegal mining (galamsey) activities to the environment, public health, and future economic prosperity. We believe that as educators and thought leaders, UTAG has a moral and professional duty to advocate for policies that secure the nation’s resources for generations to come.
“This position remains valid and urgent, independent of Organised Labour’s stance, and continues to command the overwhelming support of our members and majority of Ghanaians”
Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu National President, UTAG and Dr Eliasu Mumuni National Secretary, UTAG
The leadership reiterated that UTAG’s press release demanding an immediate ban on mining activities was issued on September 9, well before Organised Labour’s decision to strike, and the membership’s vote to strike had no connection to Organised Labour’s broader set of demands.
Strike Action Continues Despite Organised Labour’s Suspension
UTAG also defended its decision to continue the strike after Organised Labour suspended its nationwide action following the government’s presentation of a roadmap.
UTAG argued that illegal mining remains an urgent national crisis and that sustained pressure is necessary to ensure the government’s promises are not delayed or deprioritized.
“Our members have consistently voted in favour of sustained and decisive action, and the strike remains a necessary tool for maintaining pressure on the government to act swiftly and responsibly”.
Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu National President, UTAG and Dr Eliasu Mumuni National Secretary, UTAG
The leadership rejected calls to call off the strike, stating that doing so at this stage would be premature and counterproductive, as it would risk losing the momentum necessary to compel government action.
Monitoring the Government’s Roadmap
The petitioners also urged UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) to focus on monitoring the government’s roadmap for tackling illegal mining.
In response, UTAG agreed with this recommendation, revealing that plans were already in place to establish a dedicated monitoring team to track the government’s progress.
Weekly review meetings, with the first scheduled for October 16, 2024, according to the leadership of UTAG would help ensure that the government remains accountable to its roadmap.
“The strike is not an end in itself but rather a means of holding the government accountable to its roadmap,” the leadership affirmed. The monitoring team’s efforts would complement the ongoing strike action, ensuring that both oversight and pressure are maintained.
Call for Unity and the Path Forward
In its concluding remarks, UTAG called for unity among its members, emphasizing that the strike was about more than just illegal mining but the future of the country.
The association urged all members to stand together in this critical fight, warning that divisiveness would only weaken UTAG’s position and embolden those resistant to change.
“Now, more than ever, UTAG must stand as one Association committed to a common vision and a shared purpose,” the leadership wrote, expressing gratitude for the continued support of its members and reaffirming its commitment to securing a sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
“We understand that some members may hold differing views, and we encourage those who feel left out to engage with the leadership through the appropriate internal mechanisms. UTAG remains a democratic institution for today, and the future, and the views of all members are valued.
“However, we caution against actions that may undermine the unity of the Association at a time when our collective strength is most needed. Members must also understand that in a democracy, decisions that are made based on voting are always carried by the majority views, which all must respect.”
Prof Mamudu A. Akudugu National President, UTAG and Dr Eliasu Mumuni National Secretary, UTAG
UTAG’s leadership reiterated its stance that the strike would continue until the government demonstrated concrete progress in addressing illegal mining.
It strongly noted that any decisions regarding the suspension of the strike would be based on a careful assessment of the government’s actions in the coming weeks.
This response from UTAG underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to its cause, even in the face of internal dissent, as it continues to advocate for the protection of Ghana’s natural resources and the welfare of its members.
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