The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has demanded an immediate end to the strike action being embarked upon by some members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the President of the student’s union, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel said students in Ghana are disappointed at the decision of the University students as strikes have never been solutions to ending issues such as galamsey.
“It is imperative to state that UTAG, as an association, voted to support the strike declared by Organized Labour, not to declare an independent strike of their own. For the leadership of UTAG, particularly the University of Ghana branch, to assume the authority to declare their own strike without the consent of their entire membership is not only misplaced but also a direct affront to the democratic processes that should guide their decisions,” he said.
Below is the full statement:
PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS) ON THE GALAMSEY MENACE THE STRIKE ACTION BY UTAG – UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BRANCH
For Immediate Release
Monday 14th October 2024 – Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the press, fellow students, and all stakeholders present. We appreciate your time and commitment as we address two critical national issues that demand our collective attention: the galamsey menace and the strike action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch. The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), a democratic, non-partisan, and progressive mass movement, has observed with great concern the recent fallouts from the indefinite suspension of the nationwide strike action by Organized Labour.
- ON THE GALAMSEY MENACE
As a Union representing the future leaders of Ghana, NUGS has observed with increasing concern the ongoing devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey) across our communities. We acknowledge the economic significance of mining to our national development. However, the environmental destruction, water pollution, and health hazards caused by illegal mining activities far outweigh any financial gains.
Strengthening Legislation and Enforcement
We believe that the solution to this problem lies not in revoking all mining licenses but in strengthening the laws governing mining activities. We call on the government to enforce stricter regulations, ensure transparency in the issuance of mining licenses, and make the process more difficult to bypass. In addition, penalties for those found guilty of illegal mining should be harsher, including longer prison sentences and heavier fines, coupled with efficient judicial processes to avoid delays in justice.
Community Engagement and Education
NUGS also advocates for community engagement and education as part of the long-term solution. We urge the government and relevant stakeholders to organize community workshops, partner with NGOs, and leverage both traditional and modern media to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of galamsey. Education on the dangers of illegal mining must also be incorporated into basic school curriculums to instill environmental responsibility in future generations.
The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) urges all students you to actively participate in community engagement and education initiatives focused on the pressing issue of illegal mining . As the youthful and vibrant brains of the country and also future leaders of our country, our involvement is crucial in raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining activities in our ecosystem. Let us utilize social media, community outreach programs and even religious gatherings as platforms to re-echo the message of environmental safety and sustainability. Together, we can foster a more sustainable future for our communities. Let’s unite to educate and empower those around us.
Alternative Livelihood Programs
We acknowledge the importance of already existing programs aimed at proposing alternative livelihoods for people involved in illegal mining.However, We propose that the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Program (NAELP) be heightened and intensified to effectively reach a large number of communities and practitioners of illegal mining. It is crucial to expand the program’s scope by incorporating more diverse and sustainable livelihood options for communities affected by illegal mining. This can include training in agriculture, eco-tourism, and other viable industries that can provide stable incomes.
Additionally, increasing funding and resources for NAELP will ensure that it can reach more individuals and communities in need. Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders will help tailor the program to meet the specific needs of these communities, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to sustainable practices.
By enhancing NAELP, we can create a more robust framework that not only addresses the immediate economic needs of those involved in illegal mining but also promotes long-term environmental sustainability and community resilience.
Technological Monitoring and Stakeholder Collaboration
Increased surveillance of prospective mining areas is essential. We advocate for the use of modern technologies like drones and infrared imagery to detect illegal mining activities and swiftly arrest perpetrators. Moreover, we call for deeper collaboration between NGOs, traditional leaders, and local task forces to monitor and prevent illegal mining operations.
Public-Private Partnership
We entreat significant stakeholders like the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency to take advantage of investment in sustainable industries, particularly eco-tourism, agriculture, and green energy, as alternatives to mining. Stakeholder agencies must also seek international cooperation and funding to bolster efforts in restoring the environment and curbing illegal mining.
Restoration and Rehabilitation
As an academic body, NUGS proposes using academic expertise from our institutions, such as KNUST, UMAT and UENR, to rehabilitate and restore mined areas. Together with experts from various fields, we can apply methods like phytoremediation, bioremediation, and water treatment to restore our environment and promote sustainable mining practices.
- STRIKE ACTION BY UTAG – UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BRANCH
Of particular concern is the decision of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), specifically the University of Ghana, Legon branch, under the leadership of Professor Ransford Gyampo, to proceed with a strike action, despite Organized Labour’s decision to suspend its strike.
NUGS’ Position on the Strike Action by UTAG
It is imperative to state that UTAG, as an association, voted to support the strike declared by Organized Labour, not to declare an independent strike of their own. For the leadership of UTAG, particularly the University of Ghana branch, to assume the authority to declare their own strike without the consent of their entire membership is not only misplaced but also a direct affront to the democratic processes that should guide their decisions.
Strike Action: A Counterproductive Approach
NUGS, as advocates for students and the future of education in Ghana, believes that embarking on a strike at this time is counterproductive and does not address the underlying issues for which UTAG seeks to protest. The strike does not present a practical solution to the galamsey menace, nor does it serve the best interests of students who are already facing numerous challenges. Disrupting academic activities, particularly at such a critical time in the academic calendar, only jeopardizes the future of students and does nothing to advance the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
NUGS’ Plea to UTAG
In light of the above, NUGS pleads with UTAG, especially the University of Ghana branch, to reconsider their decision and pursue a more productive approach. We present the following points for their consideration:
- Rescind the Strike Action: UTAG’s core mandate is to serve the academic and professional needs of students. By choosing to go on strike, UTAG sacrifices the well-being and future of their students, which is unacceptable. While we all agree that the galamsey issue is a national concern, students should not bear the brunt of a politically charged action. NUGS firmly believes that students must not be shortchanged in this battle, as their education and academic progress are paramount.
- Utilize the Expertise of UTAG Members: Many mining consultants and experts in environmental sciences are members of UTAG. Rather than staying at home during a strike, it would be more impactful for UTAG to leverage the expertise of their members by engaging in policy discussions with the government. Their knowledge and insights would be invaluable in shaping effective strategies to combat galamsey. UTAG’s contribution to policy formulation will go a long way in ensuring long-term solutions to this national problem.
- Push for a Continuity Pact on Galamsey Among Presidential Aspirants: With only about three months remaining in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s tenure, it is unrealistic to expect the government to fully address the galamsey menace within this short period. Instead of striking, UTAG should advocate for an anti-galamsey pact among the presidential aspirants to ensure that the fight against galamsey remains a top priority for the next government, irrespective of who wins the upcoming elections. This approach would provide a sustainable and continuous fight against illegal mining beyond the current administration.
- Play an Active Role in Community Engagement: As researchers and educators, UTAG members are well-equipped to understand the social, economic, and environmental impacts of galamsey. NUGS believes that UTAG can significantly contribute to the fight against galamsey by actively engaging with communities, raising awareness, and conducting research that informs better policies. Instead of withdrawing from academic responsibilities, UTAG should be on the frontlines of community engagement, using their academic platform to promote responsible mining practices and environmental conservation.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
We strongly urge UTAG to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and relevant stakeholders, advocating for policies that address the galamsey crisis without disrupting the academic calendar. Striking will only harm students and further compound the challenges they face. NUGS encourages UTAG to prioritize the welfare of students while contributing meaningfully to the national discourse on galamsey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NUGS appeals to UTAG to reconsider its stance on the strike and adopt more constructive and pragmatic measures to assist the government in its fight against galamsey. We believe that the collective expertise of UTAG members, coupled with their influence in policy discussions, can make a far greater impact than a strike action. We call on UTAG to rescind their decision and place the interests of students at the forefront of their actions, ensuring that education continues uninterrupted while contributing positively to the national effort against illegal mining.
NUGS remains committed to advocating for the welfare of all students in Ghana and will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the educational system remains stable and progressive.
As for the galamsey menace, NUGS remains committed to advocating for a sustainable and pragmatic approach to solving this national issue. We trust that through collaboration, innovation, and education, we can protect our environment while securing a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!
Thank you for coming.
Signed:
National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS)
