The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike.

The strike is set to begin today, Thursday, 10 October 2024, to protest the government’s failure to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

This decision follows a referendum by UTAG members, despite Organised Labour’s earlier decision to suspend its planned strike after receiving government assurances.

In the referendum held on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, an overwhelming 77.95 per cent of UTAG members (2,153 votes) voted in favour of the strike, while 21.98 per cent (607 votes) opposed, and 0.07 per cent (2 votes) abstained.

Following this outcome, UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) unanimously declared an indefinite strike across all 15 branches, effective October 10.

The association has directed all its members to cease work until the government enforces a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting in protected areas, including forests, farmlands, and water bodies.

"Following the referendum, the NEC convened an emergency meeting, invoking Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution. In line with this constitutional mandate, NEC has unanimously declared an immediate INDEFINITE STRIKE from the 10th of October 2024 across all 15 UTAG branches. All members are directed to comply with this decision until the government formally announces a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting activities in protected areas,” the NEC declared.

UTAG’s strike is a part of growing national pressure on the government to take decisive action against galamsey, which has caused widespread destruction to Ghana’s water bodies and forests, threatening agriculture and livelihoods.

Speaking to journalists, the President of the University of Ghana’s UTAG chapter, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, highlighted the urgency of the situation and reaffirmed the association’s strong resolve.

"We cannot continue to sit back while galamsey destroys our environment and threatens our future. UTAG is taking a strong stand, and we expect the government to act now,” Prof. Gyampo stated.