TUTAG declares its own strike preparations after "pulling out" of the Galamsey walkout

TUTAG accuses Organized Labor of "chickening out" of the Galamsey action and announces its own strike plans. TUTAG, the Ghanaian Technical University Teachers' Association: The organization has harshly criticized Organized Labor for postponing its planned nationwide walkout in opposition to unlawful mining, or galamsey.

TUTAG has promised to go on the attack in retaliation and has asked that the government take swift action to stop the harm that galamsey is inflicting to the environment. Following a conference organized by Organized Labor, TUTAG announced in a press release on October 9, 2024, that all of its members had decided to support and participate in the approaching strike.

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TUTAG, however, said that before they could make their formal announcement, they discovered that Organized Labour had unilaterally chosen to end the strike without contacting other significant players.

TUTAG denounced this action, charging that certain factions within Organized Labour were weakening the labor movement's overall power. The association called the withdrawal a squandered chance to address one of Ghana's most critical environmental problems.

“The decision to ‘chicken out’ of a national strike that had the potential to address one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time—galamsey—without consulting the full membership undermines the unity and collective strength of the entire labour movement,” the press release stated.

TUTAG went on to say that such acts undermine members' faith in the organization, which depends on transparency and unity in the fight against galamsey.

The Call to Action and Demands of TUTAG

TUTAG reaffirmed its unshakeable commitment to the fight against galamsey notwithstanding its unhappiness with the conduct of Organised Labour. The association declared its intention to launch a stand-alone strike and started the procedures required under the Labour Act to exercise its right to strike.

On October 10, 2024, TUTAG called an emergency congress and issued a series of demands, urging the government to take immediate and decisive action to end illegal mining and preserve the environment. These requests include:

Lawmaking Instrument (LI) No. 2462 Revocation: TUTAG is asking Parliament to recall and revoke LI 2462, which addresses the granting of mining permits in regions that are environmentally vulnerable.

Put an End to New Mining Licenses: The government should cease awarding new mining permits and cancel those that have already been granted for extraction in areas near waterways and forest reserves.

Total Ban on Mining in Forest Reserves: A state of emergency has been imposed by the government, making it illegal for anybody to mine in forest reserves or the areas around bodies of water.

Reevaluation of Small-Scale Mining: The association suggests recalling all small-scale mining licenses in addition to holding a bipartisan stakeholder consultation on sustainable small-scale mining.

Reclamation of Lands: The government should reestablish areas devastated by small-scale mining and galamsey.

Increased Budget for Water Supply: TUTAG requests an increase in financing for the Ghana Water Company in order to provide a sustainable water supply for all residents, given the contamination of water bodies.

Political Commitment to Environmental Sustainability: All political parties should sign a national commitment to ensure the long-term viability of anti-galamsey initiatives that cut across party lines.

TUTAG urged the government to take immediate action on these requests in order to protect the environment, safeguard the future of the country, and restore public trust in the leadership.

Proceeding Forward

TUTAG urged its members to maintain composure and unity while assuring them that their plans for an industrial action are moving forward.

The association pledged to keep in touch with pertinent parties and notify members of any new developments.

We are still totally dedicated to protecting our ecosystem for coming generations and fighting galamsey. The leadership of TUTAG issued a statement saying, "We stand in solidarity with all unions and bodies who have decided to take action through strikes and demonstrations, despite the betrayal from some quarters.

The association demanded coordinated action to address the ongoing galamsey crisis and pledged to remain steadfast in the struggle to safeguard Ghana's natural resources.