A professor of Accounting and Finance at UPSA, Isaac Boadi, has expressed his disappointment in the leadership of UTAG in its declaration of strike following the suspension of the planned nationwide strike by Organized Labour.
Appearing on the Bekyere Mu Show hosted by Gordon Asare-Bediako on Movement Television in Accra on Saturday, October 12, 2024, Professor Boadi indicated that universities should be solution centers and not places where strikes are planned.
“I am very disappointed in UTAG. I am not proud at this material moment belonging to the association. Galamsey has been with us for years and we know the repercussions, but we should also acknowledge the steps taken by this government to deal with it. This is not a battle that can be won in a day” he said.
“Organized Labour that happens to be the mother body of all workers took the decision to suspend the strike. Why should UTAG break away from such a decision? UTAG across the country voted on a particular motion, but Organized Labour had stood down on the strike. If UTAG’s leadership was minded doing the right thing, it ought to have brought a new motion for us to vote on, but not to declare a strike based on the subject matter which has since been abandoned by Organized Labour” he stated.
The Dean of Accounting and Finance who also happens to be a member of UTAG recounted the many instances where this government has listened to UTAG especially when it comes to the working conditions of members. He indicated that online teaching and book and research allowances have been increased and paid by the government, and, therefore, does not deserve the treatment UTAG is meting out to the administration.
“Which university in Ghana has sent any document to the government as a solution to the fight against galamsey? We have not given the government a single solution to this illegal mining activities. We should be solution finders and not agents of strike actions” he added.
He questioned the rationale behind UTAG declaring strikes at the least provocation when this never happens in sister countries. “Which universities outside Ghana use strikes as solutions to the challenges of their respective countries? They find solutions and do not add to the problem! No professors and lecturers in any European country wear red armbands all in the name of demonstrations. Why must our system be different?” he quizzed.
Professor Boadi implored the leadership of UTAG to concentrate on matters which are at the core of their profession and leave those which do not impact adversely on their work. The only reason for UTAG to embark on a strike action, he averred, is an issue that directly affects their work. He mentioned that UTAG-UPSA is not on strike since students are at their hearts.
