Professor Isaac Boadi of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) expressed his disappointment in the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for declaring a strike following the suspension of the planned nationwide strike by Organized Labour.

He believes that universities should be solution centers, not places where strikes are organized.

"I am very disappointed in UTAG. I am not proud to be associated with the association at this moment. Galamsey has been a long-standing issue, and while we understand the consequences, we must also recognize the government's efforts to address it. This is a complex problem that cannot be solved overnight," he told the media.

"Organized Labour, the umbrella body for all workers, decided to suspend the strike. Why did UTAG choose to go against this decision? UTAG members nationwide voted on a motion, but Organized Labour had called off the strike. If UTAG's leadership was truly acting in the best interest of its members, they should have proposed a new motion for us to vote on, rather than declaring a strike on an issue that Organized Labour had already abandoned," he explained.

As a member of UTAG and the Dean of Accounting and Finance, Professor Boadi highlighted the government's responsiveness to UTAG's concerns, such as increasing online teaching and research allowances.

He believes that UTAG's treatment of the administration is unwarranted.

"Has any university in Ghana presented a proposal to the government on how to combat galamsey? We have not offered any solutions to this illegal mining activity. We should focus on finding solutions, not resorting to strikes," he emphasized.

He questioned UTAG's tendency to declare strikes at the slightest provocation, noting that this approach is uncommon in other countries.

"Which universities outside Ghana use strikes to address their challenges? They find solutions without adding to the problem. Professors and lecturers in European countries do not wear red armbands for demonstrations. Why should our system be different?" he asked.

Professor Boadi urged UTAG's leadership to prioritize issues directly related to their profession and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

He believes that UTAG should only strike when their work is directly impacted.

He clarified that UTAG-UPSA is not on strike because students are their top priority.