Speaking at the 12th Biennial Supreme Subordinate Convention in Kumasi, Prof. Ofori emphasized that persuasion has yielded no results, and drastic measures such as a strike might be necessary to prompt the government to take urgent steps to address the issue.

He urged citizens, including school children, to join in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that the devastation of water bodies and the environment is a serious matter that requires collective action.

“If all the TUC and everybody go on strike, the government will do something. I think that’s what the government understands because now all the persuasion has failed,” he said.

Bishop of Konongo-Mampong Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. John Yaw Opoku-Agyemang, urged the government to take the suggestion from the CSOs meeting on galamsey seriously and applied it to help combat galamsey.

“Most of the people engaged in the galamsey activities are Christians and if all these people have changed their mind and work on God’s will, this cancer will stop,” he said.

Source: Joseph Obeng

Mr Donkor was recognised during UTAG’s 22nd Biennial National Delegates Congress held on September 30, 2025, at the Palace Hill Hotel in Aburi in the Eastern region.

In a citation signed by UTAG National Secretary, Prof Eliasu Mumuni, the association praised his fearless journalism, which often comes at great personal risk, for amplifying the urgent call for environmental stewardship in Ghana.

The recognition, UTAG noted, celebrates Mr Donkor’s courage, professionalism, and contribution to national development through consistent investigative reporting on the devastating effects of galamsey.

Erastus Asare Donkor is an investigative and environmental journalist known for his reporting on the impacts of illegal mining and climate change in Ghana.

Mr Donkor has received several awards for his journalism, including the Journalist of the Year award from the Ghana Journalists Association at the PAV Ansah GJA awards in 2022.

Source: Myjoyonline

ALSO READ:

• Galamsey fight: What is really my crime? – Erastus raises alarm over death threats [Audio]

• Declaration of security zones will be the way to go if… – Erastus Asare…

The Association argues that government must be held accountable for what it describes as the ongoing destruction of the country’s environment, particularly its water bodies and forest reserves.

Speaking to the media, newly elected UTAG President, Professor Vera Ogeh Fiador, said the Association will soon roll out specific measures to demand decisive action.

“Water is essential. It may seem like the issue is far from us now, but in a few years, we are likely to battle more diseases than we normally would. Already, as a nation, we are financially challenged,” she warned.

Prof. Fiador explained that while galamsey may appear to create jobs in the short term, the long-term cost of restoring degraded lands and polluted rivers far outweighs any benefits.

“The net present value is negative in the long run,” she stressed, warning that unchecked galamsey operations threaten both public health and economic stability.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to meet more than 60 civil society organisations on Friday, October 3, to discuss joint strategies for tackling illegal mining.

Source: AdomOnline

READ ALSO:

• Mahama should apologise for galamsey approach – Haruna Mohammed
• Future at risk, not just today — Agric Minister warns against galamsey

The Commission recently suspended all government support and services to UCC and marked the institution as “non-existent” on its official portal, citing alleged non-compliance with directives regarding the tenure of Vice-Chancellor Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

UTAG-UCC Secretary, Dr. Isaac Boabeng, described GTEC’s action as “unlawful, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on the dignity and livelihoods of staff.”

He warned that withholding salaries as part of the sanctions would be “criminal and reckless.”

Dr. Boabeng insisted that GTEC must withdraw its directive and issue a formal apology by Friday, or face mass protests.

“If GTEC fails to act, we will march to Accra. They should come and lock the University of Cape Coast and take the keys to Accra. GTEC and Professor Okloh must understand that there are laws in this country,” he said.

Source: AdomOnline

ALSO READ:

• Western North Regional Minister pledges support for Police Command

• Let’s support Police to improve their effectiveness – Akufo-Addo

The practice, it said, was being done in a manner that undermined the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.

“We have noted with grave concern the increasing abuse and misrepresentation of such honorary titles, particularly when used for professional advancement, public deception, and influence peddling.

“These actions not only trivialise the rigorous scholarly processes associated with legitimate academic qualifications but also erode public trust in higher education and its regulatory institutions,” a statement signed by the President of UTAG, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, and Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, said.

Support

UTAG, it said, fully supported the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in its efforts to regulate, monitor, and, where necessary, sanction individuals and organisations involved in the proliferation and misuse of unearned academic titles.

“We commend your recent public statements and actions taken against such malpractices and urge you to intensify the clampdown, including legal prosecution where applicable.

“In line with our commitment to academic integrity, UTAG calls on all public institutions, civil society organisations, and the media to verify academic claims before offering platforms or recognition,” it said.

Encourage

The statement encouraged the general public to treat with skepticism any self-styled “doctorates” or “professorships” not backed by accredited academic processes or awarded purely for ceremonial purposes without a clear distinction.

UTAG further called on the Ministry of Education and GTEC to strengthen public education on the meaning, limits, and appropriate use of honorary degrees.

We also urge all universities to adopt clear internal guidelines on awarding honorary degrees and communicating their non-academic status to recipients and the public.”

Academic titles, it said, must be earned, not purchased, and their use must reflect the high standards of scholarship and service that they represent.

We remain available to collaborate with GTEC in preserving the credibility of our academic institutions and safeguarding the integrity of the knowledge society we are all working to build.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

ALSO READ:

• GTEC is not witch-hunting; it’s protecting Ghana’s credibility – Victoria Bright

• GTEC vows to prosecute individuals over misuse of academic titles

In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s progress on the issue and warned of possible industrial action if decisive steps are not taken promptly.

The statement, signed by National President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and National Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, followed an emergency NEC meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

UTAG acknowledged the “modest gains achieved by the government through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the security services,” including directives from the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate political actors allegedly involved in galamsey.

However, the association emphasized that “much is left to be desired, as the wanton destruction of the environment continues unabated.”

At the centre of UTAG’s demand is the “anti-galamsey pledge” President Mahama voluntarily signed ahead of the 2024 general elections. This commitment, formalised in the “National Pledge by Presidential Candidate Taken Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana,” was witnessed by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) and UTAG. It is considered by the association to be a “solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people to combat illegal mining and restore environmental integrity.”

“President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet yielded the concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge,” the statement noted, urging the President to “walk the talk.”

UTAG outlined five key promises from the pledge they believe remain unfulfilled:

1. Immediate and Unambiguous Denunciation: Although the President promised to publicly condemn galamsey for its harm to the environment, health, and future generations, UTAG stated, “We are yet to witness the operationalisation of this pledge after six (6) months in office.”

2. Immediate Action to Halt Activities: While President Mahama described galamsey as a “national emergency” on July 15, 2025, and cited efforts by the national task force, UTAG criticised his refusal to declare a formal state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas, a move they believe would give “practical meaning to the pledge.”

3. Law Enforcement Without Fear or Favour: The pledge included empowering security agencies and the judiciary to strictly enforce the law regardless of political ties. UTAG noted, “We are yet to see this pledge materialised in a way that can halt and reverse the destruction of forest reserves, waterbodies, and arable lands.”

4. Implementation of Permanent Anti-Galamsey Policies: President Mahama promised to design and implement long-term strategies to permanently eliminate galamsey. UTAG stated, “We are yet to see any coherent, practically relevant and workable policies from the President and his government to address the menace permanently.”

5. Zero Tolerance Messaging from Political Actors: The President vowed to sanction party officials and dismiss MMDCEs who enable galamsey in their jurisdictions. UTAG asserted, “Not a single official has been dismissed, despite galamsey thriving in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, and Ahafo Regions.”

The association further alleged that key members of the ruling party in heavily affected areas are involved in galamsey, yet face no consequences.

UTAG also urged the President to fulfil other related campaign promises, including repealing Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allowed regulated mining in forest reserves. Though the government has indicated plans to repeal the L.I., UTAG insists the process must be expedited.

Describing galamsey as “an existential threat,” UTAG warned that it continues to devastate rivers, forests, farmlands, and long-term livelihoods. By the end of 2024, reports showed significant environmental and economic damage, with rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim heavily polluted.

“If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments,” the statement warned.

Given UTAG’s past strikes and their impact on academic calendars, the threat of renewed action poses serious pressure on the government.

“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” UTAG concluded, urging members and the general public to remain vigilant in safeguarding Ghana’s environment for future generations.

Source: David Apinga

“This triumph is a powerful affirmation of the Ghanaian people’s confidence in your social contract and unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress and prosperity,” UTAG expressed in a press release signed by its National President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni.

The Association also lauded the Vice President-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, highlighting her groundbreaking achievements.

“As a proud member of UTAG, your accomplishments as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana and, more significantly, as the first female Vice President-elect of the Republic of Ghana, inspire us all,” the statement noted.

UTAG further commended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, for his gracious concession, stressing that it played a vital role in reducing tensions during a critical juncture.

ALSO READ:

Youth attack Wenchi police commander, free 8 inmates

Bawumia demonstrated maturity and statesmanship in conceding defeat – GJA

‘Fulfill your campaign promises’ – Bernard Mornah reminds President-elect Mahama

According to Professor Boadi, UTAG is yet to find effective solutions to problems affecting its members’ welfare.

His comments come in the wake of UTAG’s suspension of a strike action which was initially launched to protest the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey.’

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Prof. Boadi, disclosed that some UTAG members have sought to disassociate themselves from the association, citing dissatisfaction with its approach.

“There are significant welfare issues within the group. Some members feel there is no benefit in being part of UTAG, as all they hear about is the group going on strike without any proper solutions,” he said.

Source: Adomonline

READ ALSO:

• ‘Silent Majority’ is not a militant group – Prof Boadi to UTAG 
• UTAG suspends anti-galamsey strike
• Galamsey: UTAG-UG votes against NEC’s decision to suspend strike

This directive follows several weeks of industrial action by UTAG members across public universities, which has caused significant disruptions to academic activities nationwide.

UTAG began the strike 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.

In a statement, the NEC called on UTAG members to return to the classroom, while tertiary students are expected to resume classes on November 1, 2024.

ALSO READ:

East Legon Accident: Check out sad scenes as second victim goes…

Photos: One District, One Warehouse facility turns into a white elephant…

Former MP’s advice to Afenyo-Markin [Listen]

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Prof. he criticised the President’s approach to addressing galamsey.

He argued that, the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining have been inadequate, and he had no regrets about his critique.

“My learned friend Enoch mentioned that I used a word to describe the president which made him uncomfortable. I want him to understand that I want my government to succeed because when my government succeeds, my country succeeds.

“That said, I stand by my description of the President as a ‘big joker.’ When we were in elementary school, we learned about rounding off—when a number is less than 5, you round it down to zero. So, if the environmental audit report from the Accountant-General indicates that we’ve reclaimed less than 1 percent of destroyed lands, in any examination, scoring below 50 percent means you’ve failed.

“So, if I were to assess the president’s performance on land reclamation, with less than 1 percent of the land restored, calling him a ‘joker’ is not out of place, is it?”

Source: Adomonline

Government is embarking on a renewed fight to clamp down on illegal mining activities on river bodies under the “Operation Halt” initiative.

However, Professor Abavare together with some members of the association observe the renewed efforts could be one of the usual pretentious efforts to end the menace.

Speaking on Luv FM, he likened the situation to the government’s responsiveness during the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and insisted that the President must personally call for a stop to illegal mining.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the President stood at the Jubilee house and gave either instruction or directive that Greater Kumasi should be locked down. As soon as that statement was made by the President the next day, we saw the lockdown and the police, military and other security agencies on the road to ensure the enforcement. If that statement hadn’t been made by the President, do you think the police would have had a business going to be on the streets?” he said.

Professor Abavare explains the president has the power to ban the importation of some mining equipment.

“The basis of our strike is that we want the government to give instructions to say I do not want to see any earth-moving equipment on our road, no changfan imported, it would happen. If the instruction had been made that we don’t want them in the country, they wouldn’t even enter our ports,” he added.

In the last few weeks, organized labour together with some other civil organisations have demanded that the government acts proactively to militate against the illicit mining which is destroying water bodies and arable farmlands.

Organised labour threatened a nationwide strike if the government failed to act.

But after negotiations with the government a day to its intended strike on October 10, 2024, the union suspended the industrial action claiming to have assurances from the government to strengthen its fight against the menace.

Some members of the union, including UTAG, were unhappy with the decision and defied organized labour’s stance to declare a nationwide strike.

President of the Appiah Menka University chapter of UTAG, Professor Yarhands Dissou Arthur says the organized labour must render an apology to its members for their surprising U-turn in the fight against galamsey.

“Organised labour has lost credibility to the members. The leadership of organized labour should come and apologise to the members they lead because they have disappointed them,” he said.

Prof. Dissou Arthur is convinced their ongoing strike would hold the government accountable in the fight against galamsey.

“UTAG strike is actually going to hold on the government to go according to the plan they have put out there. When other labour unions are now relaxing, nothing will happen. Because the government has succeeded in dividing their front. The government must bring a name and shame policy,” he said.

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

READ ALSO:

• Galamsey: We can’t trust the government – Ransford Gyampo
• Mortuary workers to announce new date for its planned strike
• Attitudinal change needed to effectively combat galamsey – Ursula

He asserts that, the government has shown no concrete actions to tackle the issue, despite ongoing discussions.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Thursday after UTAG declared an indefinite strike starting October 10, 2024, Prof. Gyampo stated that the government has failed to fulfill its promises, citing previous deployments of military personnel to mining areas with no visible outcomes.

“The point has been the lack of trust… they are more focused on the upcoming elections,” he said.

The strike, supported by an overwhelming vote from UTAG members, is in response to the government’s perceived inaction on illegal mining.

Prof. Gyampo emphasized that a temporary ban on galamsey would have averted the strike but criticized the leadership of Organised Labour for calling off a planned nationwide strike without consultation.

“The main issue is the lack of trust. We met with the government in September and informed them that we would take action if nothing was done about the problem by the end of the month. Some of the discussions we’ve had with the government behind the scenes give the impression that the government is not interested in tackling the issue, especially considering the timing as they are more focused on the upcoming elections.

“Simply saying things behind the scenes and participating in a roundtable discussion to list interventions does not make me trust them. Politicians know what needs to be done, but they won’t do it unless we threaten to go on strike. We can’t trust them when they say they will do something but haven’t made efforts to actually implement it. This is not the first time the military has been deployed to mining areas, yet nothing has come of it.”

He added that, UTAG would continue with its action until the government demonstrates genuine commitment to addressing galamsey.

Source: Adomonline

READ ALSO:

• UTAG declares indefinite strike, demands nationwide ban on mining in forest reserves
• Galamsey: Ban on Ghana’s agric exports imminent – Importers and Exporters Association
• ECG recording $67m in revenue losses every month – ACEP

Voting has already ended at the University for Development Studies (UDS) which recorded 311 members vote.

86. 5 per cent agreed with the motion that UTAG should declare an industrial action while 13. 5 percent disagreed.

President of UTAG, Prof Mamudu Akurugu is confident all campuses would vote to endorse the decision to go on strike.

He added that, the voting will be completed by Tuesday, October 8.

“In the case of UTAG, our constitution mandates that individuals have to vote for the declaration of an industrial action and we have started that process already. We have faith in our members who asked us to join organised labour, and we are sure that the overwhelming majority of our members will vote for the industrial action to be declared.”

Voting is still underway on other campuses.

Meanwhile, the leadership of organized labour remains firm on its decision to proceed with a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10 unless their demands are met.

The group is calling for a state of emergency declaration to protect water bodies and rivers, a temporary ban on small-scale mining, and the revocation of L.I 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.

President Akufo-Addo met with labour leaders, requesting more time to address these demands, although indications are that it agreed to withdraw the L.I. that permits mining in forest reserves.

Currently, organized labour is meeting at the TUC conference room in Accra to decide the next course of action

ALSO READ:

• Their behaviour landed them in trouble – Akufo-Addo justifies detention of anti-Galamsey protestors

• Minerals Commission CEO confirms galamsey activity behind Police station in Anyinam 

• Galamsey: Organised Labour to proceed with strike as gov’t fails to meet demands

The UTAG President is uncertain about what the President means by requesting more time to meet their demands.

President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, October 3, 2024 urged organised labour to reconsider its planned strike scheduled for October 10.

He assured them of his commitment to addressing their concerns over illegal mining, which is causing severe environmental damage.

The appeal was made during a closed-door meeting on Thursday, October 3, with union leaders, where the pressing need for decisive action against illegal mining was a key topic of discussion.

But speaking on Joy FM‘s Top Story today, the UTAG leader quizzed “How much time is more time?”

“What we are asking for can be done in a day or two. So if he is asking for more time, we need to know how much time he is looking for,” he said on Friday.

Meanwhile, experts have warned that a nationwide strike could have severe repercussions, potentially bringing various sectors of the economy to a standstill.

ALSO READ:

• UTAG stands firm on industrial action over galamsey, demands state of emergency

• Galamsey: KNUST- UTAG President brands Akufo-Addo as a liar; asks him to resign

UTAG’s National President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, expressed this strong stance ahead of a scheduled meeting with the government on Tuesday, October 1, adding that the association is prepared to take decisive action if no concrete steps are taken.

He also indicated that UTAG is not alone in this fight, adding that organized labour would likely follow suit if the government fails to act swiftly.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, September 30, Prof. Akudugu noted that UTAG would not waver in its decision, insisting that their demands for immediate government intervention must be met.

“Our demands should be met – that’s our position. In our release, we were very clear as to what we will do when our demands were not met – thus, embark on an industrial action. We still stand by that,” he asserted.

UTAG has been advocating for the government to declare a state of emergency to address the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey, which has resulted in the pollution of major water bodies across the country.

They issued an ultimatum to government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if a total ban on illegal mining is not imposed.

In a strongly worded statement, UTAG criticized state-led efforts to combat illegal mining, or “galamsey,” describing them as “failed and corruption-infested militarized battles.”

The Association lamented the severe damage caused by illegal mining activities, including the destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover, a 35% rise in respiratory diseases in mining areas, and a projected cost of $2.3 billion annually to the economy.

Additionally, Prof. Akudugu called on the two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to sign a binding pact committing to combatting galamsey ruthlessly.

“This is something that should be immediate for them to do,” he said, stressing that UTAG would determine its next course of action based on the government’s response to these demands.

Source: Emma Ankra

READ ALSO:

• Galamsey: Church must lead fight against illegal mining in Ghana – Rev. Dr Amoafo
• We have lost it – Ace Ankomah declares on galamsey fight

• Stop galamsey to protect public health – Breast Society of Ghana warns

He argued that such a proposal is unreasonable and discriminatory, drawing a parallel to the ‘sex for grades’ scandal that once rocked Ghana’s universities but did not lead to a blanket ban on lecturers.

Godwin Armah noted that when cases of sexual misconduct involving lecturers emerged, the government investigated the individuals involved and imposed punishments on the culprits without banning all university lecturers.

He emphasized that the same approach should be applied to address the illegal mining in Ghana.

“Sex for grade at universities didn’t cause a ban on university lecturers. Why should galamsey cause a ban on mining. Just as not all lecturers were punished for the actions of a few, not all small-scale miners should be punished for the illegal actions of others,” he said.

He also pointed out that it is inaccurate to blame only small-scale miners for galamsey, as district assemblies, chiefs, and other local authorities are responsible for protecting resources and water bodies in their jurisdictions.

According to Godwin Armah, work is ongoing to address the issue, and it is unfair to generalize small-scale mining as synonymous with galamsey.

He further stated that those engaging in illegal mining on water bodies are not true small-scale miners and urged the public to recognize the distinction.

With over forty-five thousand eligible students unable to gain university admission each year, primarily due to financial constraints, the NDC aims to boost university enrolment by removing these financial barriers.

However, UTAG suggests that the funds should be distributed to universities as bursaries to be administered directly.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, the President of UTAG, Professor Mahamoud Akudugu said another alternative will be for the policy to target only needy students.

“It is good news that government wants to do this, but we at the universities we are also concerned about the fact that currently, government’s funding to the universities have drastically declined to the extent that only salaries are being paid. Universities are expected to pay their own electricity, utility bills and all the rest.

“So if you are proposing a policy of this nature and there is no provision for infrastructure and the rest of it, then at the end of the day, the students will come and there is no place to sit. So we will want a fuller picture of what they want to do at the tertiary level so we can holistically deal with it.

“For us, we believe that this policy should be targeted for equity and besides that, we would have even preferred that this is given as bursaries and scholarships or grants to the universities to administer because they will be able to know who are the needy students based on their history. It should be targeted because that is the only way to create equity when it comes to these type of policies.”

On his part, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare said the suggestion by UTAG is the best practice around the world.

“The best practice in western countries dictate that for bursaries and financial assistant schemes to benefit students, the universities are the ones who must administer them and then report to the scholarship authority.”

But Director of Inter-Party and CSO relations for the opposition NDC, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, argues that UTAG’s suggestion opens the policy to fraud, insisting that all students must benefit.

“I strongly disagree because it will create room for rent-seeking because mind you, in the universities there are equally a number of rent seekers who will also want to take advantage of some of these things.

“The key thing about policy efficiency is that you must as much as possible remove the human intervention and now every university runs an electronic system of registration.”

Background

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has announced that first-year tertiary students will not pay academic fees.

According to him, this initiative is part of the government’s effort to lessen the financial burden on parents funding their children’s education.

“We will implement a no-fees stress programme to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students in financing tertiary education.

“We will implement a no academic fees policy at the university for level 100 students,” Mahama said during the NDC’s manifesto reading on August 12.

Additionally, Mr Mahama noted that the party will redeploy the Student Loan Trust Fund to give continuing students the option to utilise student loans to finance their university fees directly, ensuring that students can focus on their studies with peace of mind.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

ALSO READ:

• ‘Free university tuition’ a big damage to your campaign – Ntim Fordjour to Mahama 

• Source of funding for NDC’s free first-year university tuition policy [Listen]

Prof Mahamoud Akudugu acknowledged that the proposal could be a beneficial policy but raised concerns about whether it would create equity and address the infrastructural challenges in tertiary institutions.

“We believe that it should be targeted for equity and we would have preferred that this is given as a bursary, scholarship, or grant to the universities to administer as they will be able to know which students need the support based on their history,” he stated.

As political parties roll out their manifestos, Prof. Akudugu noted that UTAG has decided to closely examine policies that affect them, and they have extended invitations to flagbearers to discuss these matters in detail.

Regarding the NDC flagbearer’s announcement of paying fees for university freshers when voted into office, Prof. Akudugu expressed uncertainty about whether this is the only support package the party has for tertiary institutions.

NDC flagbearer John Mahama has announced that first-year tertiary students will not pay academic fees.

According to him, this initiative is part of the government’s effort to lessen the financial burden on parents funding their children’s education.

“We will implement a no-fees stress programme to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students in financing tertiary education. We will implement a no academic fees policy at the university for level 100 students,” Mahama said during the NDC’s manifesto reading on August 12.

Additionally, Mr Mahama noted that the party will redeploy the Student Loan Trust Fund to give continuing students the option to utilise student loans to finance their university fees directly, ensuring that students can focus on their studies with peace of mind.

However, the UTAG national president is asking for more clarity in the face of infrastructural challenges.

“In the propositions, I have not heard anything about lecture theatres and lecture recruitments… it is good news that a government wants to do this, but the Association is also concerned about government funding to the universities.

“As of now, government funding to the universities has drastically declined to the extent that it is only salaries that are being paid,” he said.

He also highlighted that universities are expected to cover their own utilities and other bills.

“So if you are proposing a policy of this nature and there is no provision for infrastructure and so on, the students come, and there is no place for them to sit.”

“We want to have a fuller picture so that we can holistically deal with it,” Prof. Akudugu concluded.

Source: Myjoyonline

ALSO READ:

We have been in digital darkness for 60 years – NHIA…

Renounce your dual citizenship before we approve you – Minority Leader…

Instead, they are calling for better management and the resignation of members on the SSNIT Board.

Mr. Boahen’s comments come in the wake of an emergency meeting by Organised Labour to decide on the next steps after declaring a nationwide industrial action last Friday.

This action was spurred by dramatic changes, including the termination of SSNIT’s plan to sell a 60% stake in four hotels, following the withdrawal of the prospective investor, Rock City Hotel.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Monday, Mr. Boahen said UTAG is not planning any strike but is demanding accountability from SSNIT Board.

He slammed the Board’s initial decision to sell the hotels despite public opposition, saying it showed poor judgment and governance.

This, he argued, has eroded public trust in SSNIT’s ability to manage pension funds and assets effectively.

“Their initial decision to proceed with this transaction, despite widespread public outcry, indicates a disregard for the sentiments and welfare of the broader populace. This action has undermined confidence in the board and management’s capacity to manage our pension funds and assets prudently and transparently,” Mr. Boahen stated.

He reiterated that, UTAG’s discussions with Organised Labour include the call for the dissolution of the SSNIT Board.

“We are not doing any demonstration. We only need to help. It’s not a strike; we are only demanding that the SSNIT Board members step aside to allow competent individuals to take over” he said.

He also stressed that this is not a political move, but a demand for better management.

“We want the betterment of SSNIT. We are watching the powers that be, and our protest is pointed at the leadership and board members. We are not making unnecessary demands” Mr. Boahen added.

Play attached audio for more

In support, Vice President of the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Professor Eric Awere on the same show expressed dissatisfaction with the SSNIT Board.

He echoed the call for its dissolution, arguing that their representatives on the Board have not adequately served the interests of their members.

“It is the view of members of TUTAG that it is insufficient for SSNIT to merely discontinue the process of selling its 60% shares in the four hotels. We believe that in order to move forward in the right direction on this matter, it would be appropriate for the Board to be totally dissolved to allow for more competent individuals who are committed to managing the affairs of our pensions to take over, with labour unions constituting the majority,” he stated.

Both UTAG and TUTAG stressed that, the SSNIT Board needs restructuring to restore confidence and ensure proper management of pension funds.

Return to the classroom – GTEC to CETAG

The call comes after a sustained protest against the intended sale of SSNIT’s 60 per cent shares in four hotels to a private hotel owned by Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture.

Although the protest eventually led to the termination of the deal by SSNIT, UTAG believes the current board and management’s participation in the widely-criticised and contentious deal has exposed a significant failure in their (SSNIT) decision-making and accountability, demonstrating a clear disconnect from public opinion and a lack of understanding of the collective wisdom.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 13, 2024, signed by the UTAG President Prof Mamudu Akudugu and General Secretary Prof Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG said, “Those in positions of power within SSNIT must step down to allow new people with a better appreciation of the enormity of the responsibility of managing pension funds to take over and restore public trust and ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.”

UTAG also asserts that the SSNIT Board and top management have exhibited egregious judgment and a profound lack of corporate governance expertise, thereby rendering their continued tenure untenable.

“Their initial decision to proceed with this transaction, despite widespread public outcry, indicates a disregard for the sentiments and welfare of the broader populace. This action has undermined confidence in the board and management’s capacity to manage our pension funds and assets prudently and transparently.”

UTAG also backed the call by organised labour for a nationwide strike action against SSNIT. It is unclear whether the strike will go ahead from Monday, July 15 or not, following the termination of the sale of SSNIT hotels to a minister of state.

“In light of the declaration of a nationwide strike by Organized Labour on 12th July 2024, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) unequivocally supports the action.

Consequently, UTAG has begun the necessary steps to activate a nationwide strike as per the declaration by Organized Labour, strictly following the UTAG Constitutional provisions. This decision is not taken lightly but reflects our deep-seated concern over the current handling of SSNIT investment interests and its assets.”

UTAG has described the Bill which has been re-submitted to Parliament for reconsideration as perilous, regressive, unnecessary, and in breach of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

In a statement, the Association criticised the government for the lack of consultation with relevant stakeholders in the education sector before drafting the bill.

Expressing their dissatisfaction, UTAG urged the government to rethink its strategy and initiate constructive discussions.

“UTAG vehemently opposes the passage of the PUB in its current form and demands its immediate withdrawal from Parliament.

“The disregard for consultation with UTAG, coupled with the alarming disregard for the concerns of the university community, demonstrates a lack of respect for the principles of shared governance and academic freedom,” portions of the UTAG statement said.

The Bill, which was first introduced in 2020.

Among other things, the draft Bill gives the president the authority to appoint five out of the nine members that will make up the Governing Council of universities. This includes the Chairman.

The president also has the power, per the Bill, to dissolve the Council during an emergency and Unions are to appoint only one representative on a rotational basis to serve on it at each cycle.

This has left many stakeholders unhappy. 

Below is UTAG’s statement:

ALSO READ:

• Public University Bill: UTAG submits recommendations to govt

• University administrators join calls for withdrawal of Public University Bill from Parliament

The Vice Chancellor at a public lecture called for an abolition of the allowances.

At the event organised by the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Prof Kwansah-Aidoo proposed a replacement with an application-based research fund.

But UTAG in a statement expressed its disappointment with the Vice Chancellor.

“We call on the Vice Chancellor to apologise to the entire membership of UTAG and, in subsequent pronouncements, engage in constructive dialogue with UTAG to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives, concerns and research efforts of our members,” portions of the statement read.

UTAG explained thar, the BRA is not only used for scholarly publications, as suggested by the Vice Chancellor.

The remarks therefore according to the Association were ‘sneering’ and disheartening noting that “such significant remarks were made with a limited understanding of what the BRA is used for.”

“We find his comments as coming from a place of disdain and a depiction of a long-standing culture of some academics climbing to the top and turning back to remove the very ladder that led them there. His statement that he does not know what academics do with the BRA is condescending, distasteful, and pretentious, to say the least,” it added.

The statement signed by National Secretary, Eliasu Mumuni noted that, the allowance is also crucial in supporting the academic pursuits and professional development of its members, and in promoting a culture of research excellence within universities.

They stressed that, the Vice Chancellor’s proposal to abolish the BRA is based on a limited understanding of research activities.

ALSO READ:

• UTAG threatens strike over Book and Research Allowance

• Pay our allowances in 2 weeks – UTAG

Read UTAG’s full statement below:

The Association claims that the government exhibited intransigence by not involving other crucial stakeholders in the deal before its signing.

In a statement released on Monday, December 18, UTAG-UG urged Parliament to thoroughly examine the deal during the ratification process.

The statement further asserted that the deal was hastily executed to benefit individuals affiliated with the current Akufo-Addo government.

“It also appears that the deal was rushed and signed without proper due diligence consultations and sensitization of the local community and Ghanaians as a whole. Hence, there are suspicions, local agitations, and civil society criticism of the deal as being inimical to the development of the country.”

“We add our voice in calling on Parliament (as representatives of the good people of Ghana) to assert its role in rigorously scrutinising whatever deal is laid before it, in the interest of Ghana.”

The union additionally urged the government to exercise caution in the mining processes in the country, advocating for engagement with stakeholders before finalizing any mining lease or agreement.

Pressure is mounting on the government to reconsider the lithium agreement amid growing concerns that Ghana may not be receiving a fair deal.

The discussions revolve around potential resource exploitation and perceived inadequate benefits for the country, fueling public discourse and calls for greater transparency and equity.

Prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo and seasoned private legal practitioner Sam Okudzeto, have voiced their opposition to the deal.

For the former Chief Justice, the current contract echoes a colonial and Guggisberg-type arrangement.

The $250-million project, situated in Ewoyaa, Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, is slated to commence production in 2025.

Notably, the deal incorporates a 10% royalty and 13% free carried interest for the state, surpassing the existing 5% and 10% in other mining agreements.

In contrast to various concerns raised, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has maintained that the deal is in the best interest of the country.

The notice according to UTAG is in compliance with the requirements of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) Section 159, which requires either party intending to take strike action or institute a lockout to give written notice to the other party and the Commission within seven days.

In a letter addressed to NLC, UTAG said it is magnanimously giving notice to the employer 21 days as a grace period to address their concerns, or they will proceed immediately on strike on the 22nd day from the date of this letter.

The Association said their decision has been informed by negotiations on the conditions of service, which have remained stagnant and have created undue pressure and tensions across school campuses.

UTAG indicated that they made diligent attempts to facilitate the conclusion of these negotiations and ensure their implementation in January 2024, but all efforts have failed.

“Most importantly, the employer/government does not take the negotiations on our CoS seriously, and the Ministry of Finance, in particular, continues sending representatives with no effective mandate and authority to make commitments during the negotiations,” UTAG noted.

The association also noted, among other things, that there have been deliberate distortions of aspects of the Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) by their employers.

Additionally, UTAG stressed that although there was an agreement signed on March 3, 2022, to allow universities to pay a component of the agreed-upon Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) from their internally generated funds, the schools have not honoured that agreement.

Below is the full statement:

ALSO READ:

• UTAG threatens strike over Book and Research Allowance

• Akosombo dam spillage: UTAG embarks on fact-finding mission to flood-stricken areas

The visit was to assess the situation and explore ways to assist those affected by the devastating floods.

The delegation, which included UTAG executives and local representatives, made a poignant stop at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya.

There, they were warmly welcomed by the UESD’s vice chancellor and expressed their gratitude for the hospitality.

During the courtesy call, the National President outlined UTAG’s mission of understanding the impact of the floods on affected communities.

He also proposed the possibility of leading a comprehensive impact study to aid evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation to prevent similar disasters in the future.

This initiative particularly focuses on the UESD and UHAS branches, given their proximity to the affected areas.

The Vice-Chancellor of UESD embraced the UTAG delegation’s efforts with enthusiasm, emphasizing that UTAG’s role goes beyond member welfare and extends to active participation in national development issues and policy advocacy.

A Visit to the Heart of the Impact

The delegation was led by the UESD Branch Executive to the Atimpoku community, a region deeply affected by the flooding.

Here, they visited households, listening to stories of resilience and hope despite the adversity.

They came across an elderly lady, a vendor of abolo (a local delicacy), whose home had developed cracks due to the flooding.

Also, they encountered a pregnant teenager and her husband, who had lost their belongings, and an unemployed young man whose two-bedroom house collapsed due to the devastating floods.

The National President conveyed UTAG’s heartfelt sympathy, affirming the association’s unwavering support during these challenging times.

UTAG understands the struggles and burdens carried by these communities and stands with them at their point of need.

The association is actively mobilizing to support the relief efforts led by the state.

As a gesture of immediate support, the delegation made monetary donations to the affected individuals and households. Furthermore, they pledged to return with additional support from UTAG members.

A Unified Effort to Rebuild

The compassionate gesture extended by UTAG demonstrates their commitment to helping affected communities recover from the recent disaster.

This visit was a poignant reminder that UTAG stands not only for the welfare of its members but for the well-being of the entire nation.

The delegation’s mission serves as an inspiration for collective efforts to assist and uplift those affected by adversity.

The photographs and videos from the visit capture the resilience and determination of the communities, as well as UTAG’s commitment to stand with them.

The delegation included Dr. Nashiru Sulemana, National Treasurer Dr. I. K. Abdul-Hamid, Administrative Secretary, Dr. Sadat – UTAG-UPSA President. Dr. Andrew Limantol, UTAG-UESD Vice President Dr. Maximillian-Robert Doku, UTAG-UESD Secretary EC Chair of UTAG-UESD.

The delegation has safely returned to Somanya and Accra, but their message of compassion and solidarity will continue to resonate in the affected communities and beyond.

UTAG, in a communiqué issued and jointly signed by the National President, Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and National Secretary, Dr Eliasu Mumuni, it said it was also important for the right systems and structures to be put in place for a credible election come December 2024.

The group cited recent coup d’états in some West African countries to buttress its point on the need for all security challenges to be resolved to ensure peaceful polls in 2024.

The Association said it supported the call by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to develop the workers/citizens’ manifesto for adoption of all political parties heading into the 2024 general election.

“We also believe that such development will make the political parties more accountable to the people and thus reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Ghanaian,” it said.

Expertise

In this light, UTAG would make available its expertise across the various sectors of the economy to the TUC for the development/deployment of the manifesto.

The Association called for an immediate resumption and completion of the constitution review process to strengthen the fundamental laws of the country.

That, it said would enhance good governance, inclusiveness, and sustainable development to ensure that no one was left behind.

“UTAG finds the non-implementation of the reviewed 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana very troubling. We take exception to the very partisan challenge of policy discontinuity that plagues our efforts at development and violates the Directive Principles of State Policy that enjoins regimes to continue with programmes initiated by previous regimes as much as possible. 

Thus, it said the deliberate stalling of Ghana’s constitution review process did a great disservice to the quest for good governance and sustainable development and the general improvement in Ghanaians’ physical quality of life”.

Based on the foregoing, “we call for an immediate resumption and completion of the constitution review process to strengthen the fundamental laws of Ghana for good governance, inclusiveness and sustainable development that “leave no one behind”.

ALSO READ:

• Election 2024: NPP will struggle if… – John Boadu

• Election 2024: I’ll vote for Mahama if…. – NPP MP

• Election 2024: NDC ready to assist EC resolve network issues

It said if this warning is not heeded, they will embark on an industrial action. 

UTAG issued the warning in its communiqué released on Monday, October 16, signed by its National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu and National Secretary, Dr Elliasu Mumuni. 

According to the release, the delay in the payment is creating tension on campuses. 

“UTAG clarifies that the implementation of the National Research Fund should not replace the infamous Book and Research Allowance (BRA), which is a critical component of the conditions of service of the Members of UTAG, which has been delayed unduly for the already completed 2022/2023 Academic year as many Lecturers in public universities are yet to receive this reimbursable expenditure. This is creating tension on our campus.”

“We are urging the Government to ensure that all UTAG Members receive their BRA by the 21st of October to avoid disrupting industrial harmony,” UTAG stated in the release. 

Meanwhile, UTAG also condemned the recent media attacks the country has witnessed. 

According to the Association, these developments are not in the national interest. 

“Congress of UTAG observed with sadness the increasing attacks on the freedom of expression and of the Media. These developments are not in the interest of our growing democratic dispensation.”

“The recent attacks on journalists and some media houses in the country are attacks on freedom of expression as guaranteed in Chapter 12 of Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.”

It has thus asked the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest and prosecute the culprits. 

“While condemning these acts of violence and lawlessness, UTAG commends the police for acting swiftly to arrest some individuals who recently attacked journalists and panellists at United Television (UTV).”

“We call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that perpetrators of all attacks on journalists, including the one on Citi FM journalists, media houses and killings of journalists in the country, are arrested and prosecuted without fail.”

The Association said should government not heed their caution, it will not be taken it lightly. 

The National Secretary of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, Dr Asare Asante-Annor, made this known in a media interview on Wednesday. 

According to him, it will not be right for pensioners to suffer for the financial irresponsibility of the government. 

“Our opinion is that our money should not be touched, pensions of our members and Ghanaians should not be affected as a result of the debt exchange programme because these are monies that they have legitimately contributed for their entire working lives, and they should be allowed to enjoy it while they are in pension,” Dr Asante-Annor said.

Dr Asante-Annor, however, urged the president to cut down the size of his government and save costs. 

According to him, that is where the first step of burden-sharing begins. 

“We also ask government to go ahead with measures which will also control their expenditure. We have a lot of local resources that we believe we should make use of it efficiently. 

“We have also talked about the size of government to be reduced significantly so that we know that we all share the burden. 

ALSO READ:

You are on your own – John Kumah tells bondholders who reject debt exchange…

Investors may die of shock over Ofori-Atta’s debt exchange programme – Economist

“Also, some of the flagship programmes will have to be looked at critically,” the National Secretary of UTAG advised.

Government launched the Debt Exchange Programme on Monday as part of efforts to reduce the country’s debt burden.

But since the announcement, a number of groups had publicly voiced their rejection of the programme. 

Groups such as the Trades Union Congress, the Ghana Medical Association and others have openly rejected the idea.

According to them, the move will not auger well for their members.

The unions, University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH), Senior Staff Association of the University of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), reached the decision over government’s inability to meet their demands.

The Labour Unions have demanded fuel, vehicle maintenance and off-campus allowances, of which the National Labour Commission (NLC) ruled that both parties engage within one week on the terms of payment and other related matters.

In a joint press statement containing their intended strike action, it said the employees (government representatives) failed to present the terms of payment for the vehicle maintenance and off-campus allowances as directed by the NLC.

Also, the employees suggested an adjusted fuel ex-pump rate of GH¢10.99, which the Labour Unions also rejected.

The meeting, which had representatives including the Minister of Education, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations and one of his deputies, a Deputy Minister of Finance, the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Director General of Ghana Tertiary Education Commission ended in a stalemate.

Rather, the representatives suggested the formation of a 10-member committee to address only the Off-Campus Allowance.

Consequently, the Unions in public universities in Ghana will commence a strike action from Monday.

The General Secretary for the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Dr Asare Asante Annor, has revealed that the Association and government have been able to resolve their outstanding issues.

Speaking on JoyNews, Dr Annor assured that lecturers will not resume their strike.

“As it stands now, first and foremost, we have been able to resolve the differences we have with the employer. So we will be returning to the classrooms as we did on Monday. We have already been teaching.

“When you meet at the negotiation table, there are a lot of things that come to play. As a result of these things in totality, we have been able to have some sort of resolution to the impasse. The university lecturer is going back to the classroom to teach and our students are also going to be able to go for lectures,” he said.

UTAG, since the beginning of the year, embarked on a strike action to demand that government improves the working conditions of lecturers. Academic work has been halted for close to two months.

Although the National Labour Commission filed a lawsuit against UTAG for failing to call off the strike, the Association did not budge.

The Labour Division of the High Court hearing the case urged both parties to resolve the impasse outside of court through negotiation. The first attempt was unsuccessful.

For the second time, the court directed the NLC and UTAG to settle their differences out of court. During this period, government had been engaging UTAG.

On February 15, the Labour Division of the Accra High Court placed an injunction on the ongoing strike by the Association and directed UTAG to return to the negotiation table.

Following this, the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana entreated its members nationwide to honour its decision to return to the classroom on Monday, February 28. The suspension was to last until March 4.

During the period lecturers had returned to post, a referendum conducted by the UTAG’s National Executive Council showed an overwhelming rejection from public universities of the decision to pick up their tools.

Also, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the commitment of the government to find a lasting solution to the prevailing strike action by UTAG.

But after a crunch meeting between government and UTAG on Friday, March 4, both parties reached an agreement.

UTAG had requested that government reconsiders the payment of its annual research allowance to a more realistic allowance “as this is critical to our research output, promotion and ultimately national development.”

They also wanted the 2013 Interim Market Premium (IMP) of 114% on Basic Salary restored.

The Association had bemoaned the current salary arrangement which has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84 instead of the 2012 conditions of service which put entry-level lecturers on a monthly pay of $2,084.42.

Speaking at the National Labour Conference on Monday, 28th February, at Kwahu Nkwatia, he pointed out the need to strengthen the rapport between tripartite partners for greater cooperation.

“This is important, in the wake of the recent six-week strike action by the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG). Government is determined to find a satisfactory solution to this impasse, and ensure that the academic calendar is not, substantially, derailed,” he said.

“The best form of negotiations are those in which both parties to the dispute exhibit good faith within the context of what is affordable and equitable. I continue to hope that our dons will see this in that light, and help bring the impasse to an end so that the education of our young people can resume in serenity,” Akufo-Addo continued.

He assured Members of Organised Labour of government’s commitment to address their concerns at all times, and he appealed to give enthusiastic support and co-operation to government’s programme of economic recovery.

“Government is determined to work with all stakeholders to see us through this crisis, and all the challenges it has brought in its wake. Government will continue to demonstrate the ability, resolve and determination to change the trajectory of our economy in order to help us recover faster from the effects of COVID-19. Our commitment to transform the economy with great urgency should be the guiding principle of all Social Partners,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria: Soldiers spotted hiding as robbers cart away bags of money from 6 banks

• Russian Invasion: 137 Ukrainian soldiers killed

To this end, the President was expectant that discussions at the parallel sessions of the conference to be informed by the real situation on the ground.

“This will enable us manage our expectations going forward. Nonetheless, and as has been the practice, Government would continue to dialogue with you on decisions that are in the best interest of the country, labour and the business community. I look forward to more of such dialogues in the coming months, dialogues that will address the goals of equity, productivity and decent wages,” he stated.

He assured that government will work to advance opportunities for all Ghanaians to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity.

“We will continue to work proactively, by implementing programmes and policies, that will protect the citizenry from the consequences of the pandemic,” he added.

The Association had already communicated its readiness to temporarily comply with the court order to resume work after an injunction was granted the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The suspension will last until March 4.

However, a referendum conducted by the UTAG’s National Executive Council show an overwhelming rejection of the decision from public universities to pick up their tools.

As the results of the ongoing referendum trickle in, the lecturers are expected to consider the outcome within five days, according to UTAG regulations.

“…we wish to urge all UTAG members to kindly return to the lecture rooms to teach as per the circulars released by the Management Team of the various Public Universities till the NEC of UTAG states otherwise,” the association said in a statement on February 26.

The statement was signed by UTAG’s National President, Prof Solomon Nunoo and National Secretary, Dr Asare Asante-Annor.

Below is the full statement:

They are Prof. Samuel Asiedu Addo, Dr Samuel Ofori Bekoe and Dr Frimpong Kaakyire Duku.

The group of three in a rejoinder stated that their decision is a result of the UEW branch of UTAG holding a vote to reject the decision taken by NEC the same day the Committee (NEC) of UTAG, at a press conference, announced the suspension of the industrial action embarked on by the Association since the beginning of the current academic year.

According to them, “whereas we acknowledge the right of members who voted to reject the decision of NEC, we are surprised by the haste in which the meeting was convened and the vote taken.”

They added that “we are equally surprised in the manner in which the decision to reject NEC’s decision to suspend the strike was communicated.”

The group urged its members “to show solidarity and respect for the NEC of UTAG, to keep the association united at all times.

“In doing this, we must also consider the pleas of parents, students and other stakeholders, while remaining resolute in our demands for the restoration of our conditions of service.”

Below is the full statement:

The university teachers at KNUST on Friday voted against the suspension of an industrial action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).

In anticipation of a favourable outcome, the University authority announced the resumption of academic activities on Thursday.

But the lecture halls have remained empty to the disappointment of students.

The University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Norris Bekoe, encouraged the students to have hope.

However, majority of the lecturers have voted against returning to the classroom, seven weeks into the academic year.

Local members of UTAG voted to reject NEC’s decision for resumption of work.

A total of 654 lecturers, representing 75.51 percent voted to reject NEC’s decision, with 211 or 24.39 voting to accept.

The referendum on the strike had 865 candidates casting their votes.

This followed an emergency meeting by UTAG’s National Executive Committee on Monday to evaluate their ongoing strike.

Prior to this, meetings held between the leadership of UTAG, Parliament’s Education Committee, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Education Minister, and the Labour Minister last week had ended inconclusively.

UTAG wants the government to restore their 2012 conditions of service which pegged the monthly income of entry-level lecturers at $2,084.

The Association has complained that the current arrangement has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84.

Statesmen such as former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Sam Jonah, some Vice-Chancellors among others had also weighed in and pleaded for the lecturers to return to the classroom.

But today’s decision leaves students with some optimism as their academic work is expected to resume.

Per the statement, UTAG has agreed to heed the advice of the eminent leaders, the Select Committee on Education, and the court ruling to “suspend our strike action…”

The decision is said to last until March 4 by which time a favourable outcome would have been achieved amid further engagement.

The announcement, signed by UTAG National President, Prof Solomon Nunoo, also reiterated that a roadmap had been agreed between the association and government.

In that regard, “negotiations will commence in earnest and completed within the agreed period and the outcome.”

Meanwhile, “the legal processes on the legality or otherwise of our strike action, pending before the court, will continue to its logical conclusion.”

Background

On February 15, the court granted an interlocutory injunction against UTAG’s industrial action after an appeal by the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The NLC dragged UTAG to court after attempts to have UTAG call off its strike failed.

UTAG had been on strike since January 10, 2022, over the government’s failure to review their conditions of service since 2017.

Students continue to suffer the repercussions as the lecturers have refused to back down on their demands leading to the ongoing impasse.

Her comment comes at the back of the University Teachers Association of Ghana’s (UTAG) nationwide strike demanding an improvement in their conditions of service.

One of the many demands from UTAG is its request for the government to peg the pay of entry-level lecturers at $2,084.

However, the government has not given any positive feedback on the demands of university lecturers.

Mrs Tetteh, reacting to the indefinite strike and the government’s failure to honour UTAG’s demands, said it was unfair as their workload has increased.

“They are earning the equivalent of $997 which is under a $1,000 not even half of the $2,084 they agreed on,” she revealed while speaking on Metro TV.

She argued that university lecturers are the backbone of the educated leaders in the country

“Teachers, lecturers are expected to create the thinkers of this nation. There is no reason why they should be going home with $997. It is an insult to their profession,” she said.

She noted that education is one of the keys for the development of the country, therefore, the needs of teachers and lecturers must be met.

“This people are very critical to the country, government ought to sit with them and come to terms with them and if the money is huge and you cannot pay them in full come to some payment structure with them,” she added.

The court, presided over by Justice Frank Aboadwe Rockson, on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 halted the strike which is currently in its fifth week.

The order followed an application for interlocutory injunction by the National Labour Commission(NLC).

Per the orders of the court, UTAG must suspend its strike until the final determination of an application by the NLC, seeking to enforce its orders for UTAG to call off its strike and return to the negotiation table with the government.

The court, presided over by  Justice Frank Rockson Aboadwe, after about 40 minutes of discussions with the lawyers of both parties, urged the parties to hold further deliberations.

This is the second time following their first appearance on February 3, 2022, during which the judge urged an out of court settlement.

The counsel for UTAG, Kwesi Keli- Delataa, commended the judge for the diplomatic manner in which he wants the issue to be addressed.

He opined that the two meetings UTAG has had with the government have yielded no positive results.

ALSO READ:

• Settle impasse out of court – Judge tells NLC, UTAG

• UTAG strike: Africa Education Watch calls for closure of universities until…

On whether UTAG will call off the strike as negotiations are ongoing, Mr Keli-Delataa stated that will be determined by the general membership of the association.

Earlier, CoCUS postponed its protest slated for February 3 to Tuesday, February 8. The demonstration scheduled to happen today, February 8 has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 10.

In a press statement, the Coalition noted that the change in date stems from some form of intimidation from the Police Service.

“The leadership of the Coalition of Concerned University Students has noted with grave concern and despair, the deliberate attempt by government, through the Ghana Police Service, to frustrate its intended demonstration in the most unwelcoming manner.”

According to the statement dated February 8, the Greater Accra Regional Police Command reneged on the agreed modalities for the demonstration.

CoCUS was to ply the Okponglo road and submit a petition to the Presidency.

But the Coalition says during a meeting at the University of Ghana campus at 11 pm on February 7, with the Police Service, “it was disclosed to leadership that the approved routes for the demonstration, after thorough deliberations by the command, may have to be changed on grounds that the public stands to be inconvenienced.”

The routes had to be changed also because “it is regarded as a national security threat to the nation.”

The Coalition further noted that the Police have threatened to arrest demonstrators and convenors who will make an appearance.

The presence of the officers on campus to serve the notice, CoCUS says “shows the level of desperation and vile agenda to frustrate the demonstration.”

Due to the adverse effect, the change in route will have on mobilization efforts, the Coalition has postponed its protest.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Concerned University Students has said it will join CSOs, youth groups and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday as its resolve to fight for the Ghanaian student is “unquenchable.”

The NLC was very certain that it was going to win the case as it maintained the latter’s action is illegal.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Frank Rockson Aboadwe, has given the parties up to Thursday, February 10, 2022, to report back on the progress of the out-of-court settlement.

This, he noted, will determine the way forward in the case.

The case was heard in chamber on Thursday, February 3, 2022, after NLC lawyer, Eva Amihere moved a motion for the case challenging UTAG’s ongoing strike.

Counsel for UTAG, Kwesi Keli-Delataa in a media briefing after the session said that the NLC will be allowed to move its motions if a consensus is not reached by the given date.

UTAG members on all campuses are on strike to force the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012.

The 2012 conditions of service pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42.

UTAG has complained that the current arrangement has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84.

READ ON:

• UTAG strike: We’re willing to withdraw court case if … – NLC boss

• UTAG Strike: NLC sets records straight on closure of public universities [Listen]

The almost a month-old strike has sparked worry among students as they anticipate that the academic calendar will be disrupted.

The leadership has already indicated their readiness to face the Commission in court.

But the NLC is seeking an interlocutory injunction from the court to compel the striking lecturers to return to work.

The NLC is seeking an interlocutory injunction from the high court to compel the striking lecturers to return to work.

UTAG members on all campuses are on strike to force the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012.

The 2012 conditions of service pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42.

UTAG has complained that the current arrangement has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84.

The almost a month-old strike has sparked worry among students as they anticipate that the academic calendar will be disrupted.

The leadership of UTAG has already indicated their readiness to face the Commission in court.

The General Secretary of the University of Ghana Chapter of UTAG, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, noted that the association remains unshaken by the legal processes.

“The suit doesn’t bother anyone. We knew that was what the NLC was going to do, and we were prepared. They even delayed, and it took them a long time to go to court. The court is presided over by competent judges who will be able to look at the merit of the case. It should be put out there that the earlier case via ex-parte to restrain us from continuing with the strike was not granted by the court. So we are going there on Thursday in person to explain why our strike should continue. That is what we are bent on doing, so we will meet the NLC in court.”

However, the NLC says it is confident it will win the legal battle against the striking lecturers.

The Executive Secretary of the NLC, Ofosu Asamoah, said the lecturers do not have a strong case.

“We have till Thursday to go to court. So we will just wait to make our case. The court will decide the next move. If indeed UTAG has a point as they insist, the court will decide that. What matters is that whatever happens is in the best interest of Ghanaians.

“We are very confident of winning this case. UTAG is well aware of this,” he said.

The University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) says it will organise series of demonstrations if university lecturers do not call off their strike this week.

According to the Association, government’s handling of the industrial action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) does not give hope of any immediate resolution.

UTAG has been on strike for more than three weeks over its conditions of service.

But with public universities nearing a total shutdown, both UTAG and government are entrenched in their positions – a resolution seems far away.

President of USAG, Dr Phillip Armah, says the seeming lack of communication from university authorities and the government over the strike is worrying as the situation has compelled many students to go home.

“If we do not hear anything positive this week, if it has to take us to organise series of protests in our campuses, we wouldn’t shy away from that. Whoever needs to listen has to listen. We have paid fees, and we demand to be taught.

“We cannot spend three weeks in school, and all that we do is to eat, sleep, and do nothing. A lot of our students have left, we don’t have any communication from anybody. So students are left stranded, and their frustration keeps day in, day out,” he lamented.

Speaking with the Country Director for IFES, Peter Partey-Anti on Burning Issues, he said although students are stranded, lecturers feel they are being disrespected.

He said lecturers will be the losers if the strike is called off without getting what they are demanding.

“I think for me and for us we support the strike of UTAG, we think that they should push on until their needs are met because if they call off the strike, it means they have lost their sight and the government will not take them serious.”

He added that the Minister of Education is ‘incompetent’ and has failed to execute his responsibility, but waited for the issue to escalate before intervening.

“I was shocked yesterday to hear the Minister of Education talk about something else in the education update. He was asked about this issue and he failed to answer this question until he was prompted again. I mean it clearly shows lack of seriousness,” he said.

However, the President of the University Students Association of Ghana, Philip Christian Armah, has disclosed his opinion on the government’s inability to meet the needs of UTAG.

He believes the government is scared to take their issue into consideration as it may trigger other workers from other institutions to come up with their problems.

“The truth is I feel the government is scared to take the terms of UTAG’s conditions into consideration; it may trigger other institutions to call for better conditions of service. And if the government is afraid to commit itself by accepting these needs, then there is a lack of fairness in the system,” he added.

He further added that the works of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission should be improved.

The Commission was created to control these issues and if the government is still facing such complications, then, he thinks they should beef up their responsibility.

“To ensure calmness, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission should sit up because the Commission was created to control consistent strikes and other issues. Now that these issues are still popping up I think the fair wages should be blamed for all these disparities,” he said.

The NLC is seeking an interlocutory injunction from the High Court in Accra to compel the lecturers to return to work.

The case is expected to be heard on Thursday, February 3, 2022.

Already, UTAG has stated that it is ready to launch strong legal arguments to continue with its industrial action in its quest for better conditions of service.

The Executive Secretary of the NLC, Ofosu Asamoah, in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday, said the lecturers do not have a strong case.

“We have till Thursday to go to court. So we will just wait to make our case. The court will decide the next move. If indeed UTAG has a point as they insist, the court will decide that. What matters is that whatever happens is in the best interest of Ghanaians.

“We are very confident of winning this case. UTAG is well aware of this,” the NLC boss stated.

Mr Asamoah was confident the court will order UTAG to return to the classroom.

The students fear closure of the school will have adverse effect on the academic calendar.

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has since Monday, January 10, 2022 been on strike over poor conditions of service. 

Among other things, UTAG wants the government to reconsider the increment of its annual research allowance to a more realistic amount “as this is critical to our research output, promotion and ultimately national development.”

The lecturers have vowed to return to the classroom if all their concerns are addressed.

Reacting to this, National President of GRASAG, Heartwill Selasi Tamekloe, in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday said “we are sitting on a time bomb.”

According to her, the impasse between government and the striking lecturers is having a negative effect on students.

“Our research works have come to a standstill, tutorials and lectures have come to a halt, academic work, in general, is in limbo, delaying the professional progress of our members,” the GRASAG President bemoaned.

Mr Tamekloe said they have engaged the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Adutwum, on the issue and he has promised to resolve the matter.

“We believe the Education Minister will act and we are hoping to meet UTAG leadership to avert a possible closure of universities,” she added.

According to the President of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) chapter of UTAG, Dr Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, it is not in their interest to still be on strike.

UTAG embarked on an indefinite strike due to government’s failure to address the worrying condition of service of lecturers.

According to the Association, government breached the timelines agreed for resolution. They, therefore, decided to withdraw teaching and related activities until further notice.

After several attempts by the National Labour Commission to get them back to the lecture halls, it has dragged UTAG to court for the law to compel them to go back to work.

But Dr Boadi-Kusi on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday maintained that, they have not breached procedure by proceeding with its industrial action.

He indicated that, their decision not to return to the lecture halls is because government has not shown good faith.

All they want, the UTAG UCC President said, is for government to give them an offer ahead of negotiations.

Dr Boadi-Kusi added that UTAG expects that “the employer and authorities would sound a bit reconciliatory to see how best we can dialogue.”

He described the ongoing strike by UTAG as unfortunate and assured that all relevant channels would be used to reach an amicable solution.

Answering questions at a press briefing on Sunday, January 30, Dr Adutwum said “as we did the last time [when UTAG embarked on strike], so it will happen this time around to make sure that we can bring a resolution to this problem.”

“We know that unfortunately, university lecturers are on strike but we’d continue to engage them as to how best we can get them back. As a Minister for Education, I’ve said that I am the chief advocate for teachers and professors.

“When we find ourselves in this space, I do everything possible, formally and informally, front door and back door to make sure that we come to some resolution,” he said.

NLC sues UTAG

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has sued UTAG for failing to comply with the directive to call off its strike. The case is expected to be heard on February 3.

Despite the NLC declaring the strike as illegal, UTAG resolved to carry on, enabling the Commission to seek legal redress in court.

The NLC, among other things, is praying the court forces UTAG to call off its strike as declared by the Commission on January 13, 2022.

UTAG has vowed that it will not call off the industrial action until its demands for improved conditions are met.

The meeting, which was to take place on Wednesday, will consider the legality or otherwise of the ongoing strike by UTAG and discuss their demand for better conditions of service.

The university teachers have raised concerns over the failure of stakeholders to stick to an earlier agreement, including FWSC’s delay in releasing the report of the Labour Market Survey.

UTAG has also accused the NLC of bias and questioned the ability of the Commission to address the issues that have necessitated their strike fairly.

President of UTAG, Dr Solomon Nunoo, has indicated that despite the earlier concerns raised, UTAG is hopeful of reaching a consensus with government on resolving the current issue.

“Unfortunately for us, that is the only state institution we have when it comes to labour management. In this case, we need to go and listen, and then we see how they will handle it. We go in with an open mind, but that does not stop us from commenting on the behaviour of people who are behaving as appendages of government.”

“If the Labour Commission had been proactive, they would have come in to try and mediate the process, but unfortunately, that did not take place. We are optimistic that they will give a ruling in our favour, and then we continue from there,” he told JoyNews.

Members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana embarked on industrial action on Monday, January 10, in the quest to demand better conditions of service.

They want government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012/2013, which pegs the salary of an entry-level lecturer at $2,084.42.

The move is already biting hard on students as it threatens to derail the academic calendars of various tertiary institutions.

The teachers reluctantly called off a similar strike over the same demands last year on the condition that their concerns will be addressed.

But after the exhaustion of timelines, the government is yet to act on their demands.

The meeting, which was earlier scheduled for Wednesday, will consider the legality or otherwise of the three-day old strike by UTAG.

It is also expected to discuss the conditions of service demanded by UTAG, failure of stakeholders to stick to an earlier agreement, and consider the ‘hearing of the issues in dispute.”

The NLC announced the decision to change the meeting day in a letter dated January 10, 2022 and signed by the Director of Administration, Dr Bernice Welbeck.

Ahead of the meeting, UTAG accused the NLC of bias and questioned the ability of the Commission to fairly address the issues that have necessitated their strike.

The university teachers have been asking the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012/2013 which pegs the salary of an entry-level level at $2,084.42.

President of UTAG Dr. Solomon Nunoo has indicated that in spite of the earlier concerns raised, UTAG is hopeful of a favourable ruling.