The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is suspending its strike, which was initiated to protest against the government’s inaction on the galamsey menace.
Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, the General Secretary for UTAG, during an interview on ABC IN THE MORNING on Tuesday, October 29, revealed that the decision comes after a vote by members indicating their desire to end the industrial action.
The suspension takes immediate effect, allowing for a return to academic activities after significant disruptions since the strike began on October 10.
The vote decision follows a directive from the National Executive Committee (NEC) of UTAG, which had previously announced intentions to call off the strike by October 28.
In a press statement, the NEC stated that the government had provided assurances of intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and would continue monitoring the situation to ensure that UTAG’s demands are met.
Following the vote on Tuesday, October 29, seven institutions, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Cape Coast, voted in favor of suspending the strike, while three institutions, including the University of Ghana, rejected the call.
As students prepare to return to classes on November 1, 2024, concerns remain about the political implications of the strike.
The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has accused UTAG leadership of colluding with political factions to disenfranchise students ahead of the December elections.
Responding to this allegations, Mustapha stated that, “we (UTAG) will formally respond to that. It is an obnoxious, absurd and an unfortunate statement coming from the quarters.
“we’ve taken that particular statement seriously and we will appropriately respond to him.”
‘s remarks highlight the contentious nature of the ongoing situation, questioning the motivations behind the strike and its potential impact on students’ rights to participate in the upcoming polls.
