The President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has provided a critical update following a recent meeting between Organised Labour and government representatives regarding proposals aimed at curbing illegal mining.
In a communication shared with UTAG members via his Facebook page, Prof. Gyampo disclosed that two labour leaders, Joshua Ansah and Dr. Bampoe, attended the meeting with a prepared speech advocating for the suspension of a planned strike. After being confronted by other members who disagreed with their stance, the leaders reportedly apologised before presenting the government’s new set of interventions.
However, Prof. Gyampo noted that the proposals were nearly identical to those previously discussed and rejected during an October 7th meeting. UTAG reiterated its position, stressing the need for a temporary moratorium on all mining activities to allow for a thorough evaluation of the proposals. Despite this, the leadership of Organised Labour blocked attempts to push for additional measures, instead opting to read a pre-written speech to the media. This move, according to Prof. Gyampo, led to a “rancorous and acrimonious” conclusion to the discussions.
Prof. Gyampo announced that UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) would convene later in the evening to further assess the situation. He also commended the overwhelming support from UTAG members across Ghanaian universities, urging them to remain resolute in their stance against illegal mining, which he described as an existential threat to the nation.
“We must be the conscience of the nation in the fight against this existential threat,” Prof. Gyampo emphasized, calling for unity and resilience as UTAG’s NEC prepares to issue further updates.
The meeting, marked by tensions and disappointment, underscores the growing friction between labour unions and the government over the ongoing illegal mining crisis.
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Story by: Edmond Deladem Akpalu | univers.ug.edu.gh
