The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced an indefinite strike starting October 10, 2024, following a decisive vote by its members advocating for a nationwide ban on mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas.
The strike, which received overwhelming support from 77.95% of the association’s members, underscores UTAG’s commitment to environmental protection.
In a referendum organized by UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC), 2,153 out of 2,762 members voted in favor of the industrial action, calling for an immediate halt to mining in forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.
Only 607 members opposed the strike, with just two abstaining, leading the NEC to declare the results a “decisive mandate” for action.
The NEC released a statement emphasizing the urgency of the situation, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.”
This practice has significantly harmed Ghana’s forest reserves, rivers, and agricultural land, raising concerns over environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of local communities.
In response to the referendum results, the NEC convened an emergency meeting and invoked Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution, which allows for strikes in matters of national importance.
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The council declared, “In line with this constitutional mandate, NEC has unanimously declared an immediate INDEFINITE STRIKE from the 10th of October 2024 across all 15 UTAG branches.”
UTAG is calling on the government to formally announce a ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, demanding urgent action to preserve the country’s natural resources.
Until such measures are implemented, all UTAG members have been instructed to adhere to the strike order.
“This is a critical national cause,” the association stated, urging all members to remain steadfast in their commitment to environmental protection.
The strike adds significant pressure on the government, which has faced mounting public dissatisfaction over the environmental degradation linked to illegal mining activities.
UTAG’s decision reflects the escalating urgency for comprehensive solutions to combat the galamsey menace and protect Ghana’s ecological integrity.