Prof Ransford Gyampo has reminded President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia that the one-month negotiation window opened between the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the government – for which the group suspended its strike a few months ago – ends in less than a week but nothing has been done about their issues because Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has not been personally involved in the matter.
In an open letter to the president and his deputy, the Secretary to UTAG said: “I am told much of the issues have to do with your Finance Minister, who is still not attending meetings himself but delegating, probably, because he sees UTAG matters as trivial”.
“He may continue to treat us like rags but when there is mobilisation of the anger of University teachers in a manner that creates a praetorian situation, the bucks would stop with you in dealing with the mess”, Prof Gyampo noted.
Read Prof Gyampo’s full letter below:
Open Letter to the President and Vice-president of the Republic
Your Excellency Nana Akufo Addo, I greet you. Your Excellency Alhaji Dr Bawumia, I greet you, too.
As you may be aware, some of us have deliberately been quiet about what has been happening following UTAG’s decision to temporarily suspend its strike and return to the negotiations table. We believe the stakeholders needed some peace of mind to talk.
I, however, wish to respectfully remind you that the one-month negotiation period expires in five days’ time.
Unfortunately, as of now, nothing concrete has been achieved.
As you may be aware, some of us had to practically beg our members to agree to suspend the strike action for negotiations because we knew that you were both worried about the impasse and were very much resolved to bring finality to the matter.
Unfortunately, I repeat, nothing concrete has been achieved.
I am told much of the issues have to do with your Finance Minister, who is still not attending meetings himself but delegating, probably, because he sees UTAG matters as trivial.
He may continue to treat us like rags but when there is mobilisation of the anger of University teachers in a manner that creates a praetorian situation, the bucks would stop with you in dealing with the mess.
I respectfully urge you to intervene in this matter yourselves.
For, no one can contain the anger of University teachers should they be allowed to strike again, after the expiration of the one-month negotiation period.
A simple survey on the various campuses would give a sense of how bitter and angry they are, for the disrespectful manner in which they have been treated over the years.
Thank you very much, Your Excellencies.
Yaw Gyampo,
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond
&
Suro Nipa House
Kubease
Larteh-Akuapim
