The University of Ghana (UG) branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has overwhelmingly voted to join Organised Labour’s industrial action against illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey.
Of the 443 members who voted, 355, representing 80.14%, supported the decision to strike, while only 88 voted against it.
This vote comes as part of a larger movement led by Organised Labour, who have set October 10 as the start of their nationwide strike, despite pleas from President Akufo-Addo for more time to address their concerns.
Joshua Ansah, spokesperson for Organised Labour, affirmed that the strike would go forward if the government fails to ban illegal mining.
“Our strike remains unchanged; we are of the view that what the government has proposed to do does not adequately address our demands,” he stated.
Organised Labour has asked the government to impose a total ban on illegal mining before the October 10 deadline, a demand that remains unmet, prompting their decision to proceed with the strike as planned.
In response, the government expressed surprise at the unions’ decision to strike.
A statement issued by the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, detailed the efforts already made by the government, including steps to revoke regulations allowing mining in forest reserves and increased enforcement against illegal mining activities.
The statement emphasized the government’s continued commitment to addressing the galamsey menace and called for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
However, the Labour Union has defy government request, as they argue that the Galamsey menace needs an immediate and tough solutions.
