A shutdown of public universities looms large as UTAG strike enters week four
A shutdown of Public Universities seems imminent as the strike by the University Teachers Association of Ghana enters week four.
UTAG seems not to be backing down on their strike anytime soon as it continues its fight for better conditions of service for the Ghanaian lecturer.
Regarding the rules guiding public universities if there are no teaching activities for 31 days after academic activities resume, the school must be closed down.
Recently the National Labour Commission (NLC) dragged the University Teachers Association of Ghana to court for continuing with the nationwide strike, pointing out that the industrial action is illegal.
UTAG on the other hand maintains that it will follow the court proceedings to its conclusion and that the final determination of the court will inform its next line of action.
Dr Samuel Nkumbaan, President of the University of Ghana branch of the Association, revealed that the decision by the court on the 3rd of February will give a clear indication of what will follow.
“The decision to close down the university will be that of the management of the university. There is an underwritten rule that after 31 days into the commencement of lectures, if nothing happens, then the universities must shut down. The essence is of course because of the cost to the university. As for UTAG, we have been taken to court by the NLC and on Thursday we will make an appearance and that will determine the next line of action,” he explained.
Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan also added that UTAG will continue with the strike until government heeds to their call.
“As we speak, we’ve not had any official call up by our stakeholders on the part of the government to make any offers, so it doesn’t look likely. In the event that they call us and make an offer that is reasonable, then we could call off the strike,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has said his outfit is engaging the University Teachers Association of Ghana, UTAG,
“Unfortunately, university lecturers are on strike, but we’ll continue to engage them as to how best we can get them back,” he said at a press conference on Sunday, January 30, 2022.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
