The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has reaffirmed its commitment to its ongoing indefinite strike, despite attempts by a group of 57 individuals to challenge its stance.

In a recent statement by Professor Ransford Gyampo, a senior member of UTAG, he clarified that the petition presented at a press conference by this group has no bearing on the strike.

According to him, of the 57 individuals behind the petition, a significant number—36—are not even university lecturers.

Furthermore, some of the lecturers listed as petitioners have publicly distanced themselves from the initiative, issuing disclaimers that they were included without their consent.

“There’s no way 57 people who are not all lecturers can describe themselves as a silent majority of lecturers with the audacity to give an ultimatum to close to 3,000 university professors,” Gyampo asserted.

He stated that while UTAG values solidarity among its members, there are concerns that some of those involved in the petition may not fully understand the issues at hand.

UTAG has no intention of engaging in public disputes with these individuals, some of whom are colleagues.

Instead, the leadership plans to engage them privately to explain the reasoning behind the strike and the association’s discontent with the actions of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSSAG) leadership regarding their handling of issues surrounding illegal mining.

Despite the petition and the public press conference, Prof. Gyampo was clear in his message: UTAG’s indefinite strike will remain in force.

The Association will not be swayed by a small group, especially those who do not represent the majority of lecturers.

The strike will continue until the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG decides otherwise.

As UTAG’s leadership prepares an official response to the petition, the association remains focused on its goal of addressing critical national issues, particularly illegal mining, which has had a devastating impact on the environment and communities.

UTAG, with nearly 3,000 members, has taken this strong stance to push for meaningful reforms and accountability, and they are committed to maintaining their industrial action until their demands are met.