The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has refused to back down on its indefinite strike as demanded by the group called “The Silent Majority”.
In a statement dated 15th October 2024, the National Secretariat acknowledged that it had received the petition from the “The Silent Majority”, but stressed that it remained committed to piling pressure on the government to take decisive action on halting the existential threat of galamsey.
In response to the call for the suspension of the strike by “The Silent Majority”, UTAG believed it would be premature and counterproductive to call off the strike.
“The strike is our primary means to maintain pressure on the government to act decisively and not use the roadmap as a smokescreen for inaction. While we understand the concerns you raised, we must remain firm in our stance until the government takes concrete action.”
“NEC will continue to assess the situation, and any decisions regarding the suspension of the strike will be based on careful consideration of developments and progress made by government in implementing its proposed roadmap,” part of the statement read.
On the other demands presented by the dissenting faction, UTAG responded that it was keenly monitoring the implementation of the roadmap provided by the government and would expand it to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
UTAG disclosed that although it had written to presidential candidates of the two main political parties to engage them on issues of education, environment and the economy, neither of the candidates had honoured the invitation.
“None of the Presidential Candidates has honoured this invitation yet, and we continue to pursue them to honour it and possibly expand it to parliamentary candidates in mining areas as suggested.”
UTAG is of the view that, engaging candidates in mining constituencies is a valuable opportunity to hold political leaders accountable for their stance on illegal mining.
The statement called on its members to remain united to advocate for the eradication of illegal mining and the protection of the environment as it is a critical element of the future of the country.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
