The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), a member of Organised Labour, has voted to declare industrial action in favor of a national ban on mining in forest reserves, farmlands, and rivers, as the broader coalition of unions suspended its nationwide strike set for tomorrow, October 10, 2024.
This move comes amid growing concerns over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey." In a referendum conducted across UTAG's 15 branches, 77.95% of the 2,762 members who participated, voted in favor of the strike, with 607 opposing.
The National Independent Electoral Committee (NIEC), chaired by Dr.
Reuben Ayivor-Djanic, confirmed the results on October 9, 2024.