Executive Director of the Educate Africa Institute (EAI), William Boadi, has called on the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to end their strike and provide tertiary students with the education they have paid for.
In a press release issued by EAI, UTAG’s strike action was described as an unnecessary disruption to education in Ghana. The release noted that the strike is misplaced and has significantly affected students’ academic progress nationwide. “We believe that the strike is misplaced and ultimately disruptive to students who have paid their academic and hostel fees, yet now find themselves out of the classroom,” the statement read.
Following the release, Mr. Boadi in an interview with happyghana.com, emphasized that UTAG’s efforts to address issues such as illegal mining (galamsey) would not yield results, as this issue falls outside their remit.
He further highlighted that the strike has already disrupted the 2024/2025 academic year and could lead to administrative challenges for many universities in Ghana. “They need to call off the strike and return to work. It is affecting the students, and it will push the 2024/2025 academic year into the following year, causing administrative mayhem,” he stated.
Mr. Boadi also pointed out that there are more pressing concerns directly impacting the tertiary education system, urging UTAG to end the strike action and deliver education to tertiary students. “If they were striking due to inadequate facilities to house students or for educational reforms at the tertiary level, that would be a valid reason. However, striking over galamsey, while a good cause, will not yield positive results, as the government appears uninterested in addressing illegal mining,” he added.
By: Kobina Baidoo