President of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Eric Abavare, has expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension of Organised Labour’s indefinite strike, stating that the decision was made solely by the leadership of the group.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Prof. Abavare noted that the suspension does not reflect the position of UTAG or other sister associations.
According to him, the leadership of Organised Labour arrived at a meeting on Wednesday, October 9, with a pre-written speech, indicating that the decision to suspend the strike had already been made ahead of discussions meant to finalize the action, which was set to begin today, Thursday, October 10.
Organised Labour announced the suspension of the strike after the government pledged to take significant steps, including intensifying the “Operational Halt” initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces to combat illegal mining in forest reserves.
In response, Prof. Abavare stated that UTAG has decided to distance itself from Organised Labour’s decision and will continue with its planned indefinite strike.
He further urged President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency and impose a complete ban on all forms of mining, reiterating UTAG’s longstanding demands.
“If you come to a meeting with a pre-prepared speech, it means the decision to call off the strike was already made, which is why UTAG has decided to disassociate from Organised Labour’s stance,” Prof. Abavare said.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the president declared a state of emergency, and we are simply asking for the same approach here to address the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis. Our demands were not met, and UTAG does not want to be part of this decision taken by Organised Labour’s leadership,” he added.
Source: Adomonline
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