UTAG to Call Off Strike by October 29, 2024

The University Teachers Association of Ghana has served notice that it will call off the ongoing strike by the close of October 29, 2024. This is a decision taken by the National Executive Committee, UTAG, after weeks of industrial action meant to push the government to take firmer steps against the activities of illegal mining, otherwise called galamsey. A situation that has caused unprecedented environmental degradation and poses a very serious threat to the main water bodies and forest reserves in Ghana.

UTAG went on strike on 10th October 2024, amid growing disgruntlement over what had been regarded as government inaction against galamsey. Members of UTAG say their action puts the limelight on the severe environmental cost presented by illegal mining activities that have continued to threaten the natural resources and health of the nation. Through the disruption of academic activities across the country, UTAG made sure that the government took urgent and sustainable action against galamsey while reminding it of its responsibility to protect the ecological heritage of the nation.

In essence, the strike brought teaching and learning to a standstill in Ghana's public universities, with thousands of students now being behind schedule for the current academic year. However, following on from this directive to return to work is that it would be expected that students will likely resume classes on November 1, 2024-a development that is welcomed in the education sector.

The statement from UTAG's NEC indicated that by suspending the strike, it did so in the hope that this would spur the government into more serious and proactive intervention against galamsey. It remains to be seen whether such a decision would lead to the desired policy changes that educators of Ghana, environmental advocates, and communities have vocalized for quite a long time. The country now awaits the priority of its leaders as to the environment and the call for stringent measures against illegal mining activities that are threatening the lives of future generations.