Lectures continued as usual at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Thursday, October 10, despite the ongoing strike by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
On Wednesday, October 9, UTAG announced its intention to strike starting from Thursday, October 10, unless the government formally imposes a nationwide ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.
In a referendum held on Wednesday, October 9, UTAG members overwhelmingly supported the strike action, with 77.95% (2,153 votes) in favour, 21.98% (607 votes) against, and 0.07% (2 votes) abstaining.
The National Executive Council of UTAG then unanimously declared an immediate and indefinite strike across all 15 UTAG branches, of which UPSA is a member.
However, on the first day of the strike, classes were still in session at UPSA, with lecturers continuing to teach. Speaking to Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, Secretary of the UTAG branch at the University of Ghana, he explained that the strike announcement was made late, resulting in some lecturers proceeding with their plans to teach, unaware of the strike.
“We announced this strike late last night, and so the information didn’t reach everyone. Some members had already made plans to teach. We didn’t want to rush in stopping people who had already planned their day. I am certain that UPSA will act accordingly, and classes will soon come to a halt. We have mechanisms to bring everyone on board, so I don’t foresee any issues. In the coming days, I’m confident that no lectures will be held as this is a collective decision for the good of our country,” Dr. Harrison told ChannelOne News.
Meanwhile, some students expressed their appreciation for the lecturers who continued teaching despite the strike.
“We had lectures today. All the lecturers at UPSA are in school, and we are happy they are here teaching us,” said one student.
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
