The University Teachers Association of Ghana's (UTAG) National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet tonight to deliberate on its next course of action, despite Organised Labour’s decision to call off the planned strike action against illegal mining, which was scheduled for October 10.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo, President of the University of Ghana (UG) Chapter of UTAG, made this known in a statement released today.
"UTAG NEC meets over this tonight, and given the overwhelming support we have given to the fight against illegal mining via the voting outcomes of the public universities across the country, let us brace ourselves to be the only conscience of the nation in the fight against the existential threat that confronts all of us."
He criticised the leadership of Organised Labour for softening its stance on the industrial action, describing their decision to suspend the strike as premature and disappointing.
"We were called to a meeting to get a briefing about some new proposals government had made in response to our demand that illegal mining be addressed," Gyampo state.
The lecturer detailed some developments that ensued at the meeting held today to address new government proposals on illegal mining.
Prof Gyampo revealed that the Secretary General of Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah and Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Dr. Isaac Bampoe-Addo arrived with a pre-written speech calling for the suspension of the planned strike.
This move sparked controversy as Prof. Gyampo and other attendees questioned the appropriateness of their actions.
Although the two leaders apologised after being confronted, per Prof Gyampo's account, tensions escalated when they presented the government's supposed new interventions.
However, Prof. Gyampo noted that these proposals were not significantly different from those discussed and rejected earlier on October 7.
He and others present suggested that the government should at least impose a temporary moratorium on mining to facilitate discussions on the practicalities of the proposals. This suggestion, according to Prof. Gyampo, was ignored.
"The leadership of Organized Labour refused to listen," he lamented, adding that before any further suggestions could be made, the media was called in, and the pre-prepared speech was read to them. "The meeting was rancorous and acrimonious. It ended in disunity," he stated.
Prof. Gyampo also hinted at the division within the ranks of Organised Labour, adding that the UTAG National Executive Committee (NEC) was set to meet later that night to discuss the situation.
"The leadership of Organized Labour refused to listen," Gyampo said, adding that the meeting ended in disunity after the media were called in and the pre-prepared speech was read.
Despite this setback, Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed UTAG's commitment to the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, stating that the NEC would meet tonight to decide on the way forward.
Latest Stories
-
Cover the pitches when there are activities – Anthony Baffoe advises
31 minutes -
One dead, 6 injured in accident at Gomoa Assin
33 minutes -
With great influence comes even greater responsibility – Omane Boamah at IYES
45 minutes -
JoySports National Dialogue: It’s important to get experts for various roles – Anthony Baffoe
50 minutes -
Mahama appoints COP Yohunu as new IGP
52 minutes -
National Education Forum committee to present final report to president by March 28
60 minutes -
Ghana should develop national talent identification strategy – Tom Vernon
1 hour -
JoySports National Sports Dialogue: Gov’t committed to establishing sports fund – Kofi Adams
1 hour -
Ensuring inclusion and sustainability in Ghana’s Free Sanitary Pad initiative
1 hour -
Victory Baptist Church celebrates 40th anniversary with inter-family games and health fair
2 hours -
If we get the appointments right, SOEs will be in a good state – Daniel Anim-Prempeh
2 hours -
JoySports National Sports Dialogue: AFCON failure signals urgent need for development system reforms – Kofi Adams
2 hours -
NiiPlants Group donates to Village of Hope
2 hours -
Livestream: JoySports National Sports Dialogue underway
2 hours -
Ecobank Ghana expands Elevate Program to empower women entrepreneurs in Kumasi
2 hours