A faction of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), calling themselves the “Silent Majority,” has urged the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG to end the ongoing strike over illegal mining, known as galamsey.
The group, made up of 54 members from various public tertiary institutions, argues that the strike diverts UTAG’s focus from its core academic responsibilities.
Strike sacrificing academic needs
Professor Isaac Boadi, spokesperson for the Silent Majority, expressed that the NEC’s decision to prioritize the fight against illegal mining over the academic welfare of students must be abandoned immediately.
He emphasized that the NEC should work towards ending the strike by October 18, 2024.
“The NEC should form a team to monitor the government’s roadmap to address the galamsey menace rather than sacrificing academic duties,” Prof. Boadi stated.
Call for accountability and political commitment
Prof. Boadi also called on UTAG to involve political candidates in the fight against illegal mining.
He requested that the NEC invite all presidential and parliamentary candidates from mining constituencies to publicly commit to tackling the galamsey issue in Ghana.
“We wish to put on record that our intention is not to undermine leadership but to ensure that the right thing is done in the interest of the Association and the country,” he said, commending the broader Ghanaian public for their resolve in combating illegal mining.
Concerns over NEC’s unilateral strike declaration
UTAG had previously voted overwhelmingly to support an industrial action as part of a national ban on illegal mining and prospecting in sensitive areas.
However, Prof. Boadi expressed disappointment in the NEC’s decision to declare an indefinite strike without consulting the broader membership after the suspension of a nationwide strike by Organized Labour.
“We were taken aback by the media commentary and the unilateral decision by NEC to extend the strike, even though the mandate expired with the suspension of the nationwide action,” he noted.
He further emphasized that the matter should have been referred back to member campuses for a new motion.
Monitoring govt’s roadmap
The Silent Majority believes UTAG should focus on holding the government accountable for implementing the roadmap presented to Organized Labour, where UTAG was represented. According to Prof. Boadi, key components of this roadmap include the President directing the Minister of Lands to request Parliament to revoke L.I. 2462, deploying soldiers to combat illegal mining, and establishing 14 courts to try arrested illegal miners.
“We strongly believe that UTAG Executives are elected to represent the interests of all members, not just a few,” Prof. Boadi said, urging NEC to stay focused on ensuring government compliance with the roadmap.
Members of the Silent Majority
Several members from universities across the country support this call.
Representatives include Dr. Justice Kwaku Addo, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, and Prof. Kwasi Opoku Boadi from the University of Cape Coast (UCC); Dr. Eddie Appiah and Dr. Michael Nimoh from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); and Prof. Isaac Boadi, Dr. Kofi Baah Boamah, and Godwin Kusi Dankwa from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), among others. These members are calling for the strike to be called off and for UTAG leadership to refocus on their academic mandate.
Organized Labour’s decision to suspend the nationwide strike on October 9 followed the government’s response and commitment to addressing illegal mining through a detailed roadmap, which UTAG members hope will now be the focus of their leadership’s actions.
