Despite a court order obtained by the National Labour Commission (NLC), the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has urged members to continue the strike.
The Commission had obtained an order to compel the striking university teachers back to work, arguing that it was too early in the day to take that route while talks were still continuing.
However, on Sunday, August 8, a message to all members throughout Ghana’s 13 public institutions urged them to stay steadfast while their demands remained unmet.
“Leadership announces that UTAG members across all thirteen (13) public universities voted emphatically for the continuation of our action, and leadership is obliged to honor your voices and act accordingly,” said the notice, which was signed jointly by National President Professor Charles Marfo and National Secretary Dr. Eric Abavare.
On Sunday, August 2, UTAG launched a national strike against poor working conditions.
During that time, they conducted elections to choose new executives. Professor Ransford Yaw Gyampo of the University of Ghana, for example, was chosen as Secretary.
Members, according to leadership, have been unwavering in their support for the decision made on Saturday, July 31.
“Leadership is very grateful for your unflinching support and wishes to assure you that we are more than determined to pursue your interests, no matter the consequences.
“All that we request from you going forward is your continued support so that, together, we can achieve our purpose of better conditions of service for all members.” The notice described the ongoing action as a “battle”, which they claimed was “going to be tough and dirty as time progresses”.
“We must therefore stick together and remain positively defiant.”The leadership acknowledged that government could adopt “divide and conquer” tactics against them.
“But we must resist this strongly while constantly reminding ourselves that our conditions of service are paramount.”
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