The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has responded to a splinter group calling itself the “Silent Majority of UTAG,” which recently demanded an end to the ongoing strike.
On Tuesday, October 15, the breakaway group issued a three-day ultimatum for UTAG’s national leadership to end the strike, arguing that it is no longer justified since Organised Labour has ceased its own actions following government commitments to address illegal mining, or galamsey.
The group contended that with Organised Labour backing down, UTAG should do the same.
In response, the President of the University of Ghana branch of UTAG stated that they will not engage in public conflict with the group. He reaffirmed their commitment to unity and indicated that they will not allow outside forces to disrupt their solidarity.
Nevertheless, UTAG has offered to engage the “Silent Majority” in private discussions to clarify the reasons for the strike.
“It would be counterproductive to fight them publicly. We won’t let anyone outside our association weaken our unity. We are open to discussions to help them understand why we chose to take industrial action in response to the unfortunate behaviors of the TUC and Clossag leaders,” he said.
He also emphasized that the strike will continue until the National Executive Committee makes a different decision.
“We do not wish to respond publicly, but it must be clear that UTAG’s indefinite strike, which cannot be overturned by the fewer than 57 lecturers in the breakaway group, remains in effect until the NEC of UTAG decides otherwise,” UTAG asserted.
