UTAG to suspend anti-galamsey strike on October 29

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced its intention to suspend its anti-galamsey strike action on October 29, 2024.

In a statement released on Thursday, October 24, 2024, to update Ghanaians on their industrial action, they stated that their decision comes after thorough deliberations with the National Executive Committee (NEC) and is pending affirmation from their members.

The statement, signed by Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, the National President, further stated that UTAG's strike demonstrated their commitment to protecting and sustaining the environment for present and future generations.

"Our strike action has demonstrated significantly throughout the country our commitment to protecting and sustaining the environment for present and future generations. We have won the admiration and confidence of the Ghanaian people in us to always stand up for the welfare of our country.

"In light of these, the NEC, after thorough deliberations, has directed that the strike action be suspended effective Tuesday, October 29, 2024, and is seeking members' affirmation or otherwise of this directive," parts of the statement read.

Highlighting one of the demands that prompted their strike action, UTAG stated that discussions with various stakeholders regarding the signing of a Pact for Candidates in the 2024 Presidential Election, one of their key demands, have begun.

Background

UTAG began the strike action on October 10, 2024, in response to the government's perceived inaction on illegal mining (galamsey), which has severely impacted river bodies and forest reserves.

Members of the association across public universities laid down their working tools to force the government to take drastic action against the galamsey menace.

Read UTAG's full statement below:

MAG/OGB

Meanwhile, catch up on the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV with Etsey Atisu as he caught with Philip Atawura, who just returned from a successful kidney transplant in India.