Akufo-Addo speaks on UTAG strike

President Akufo-Addo has reiterated the government’s commitment to bring to an end the industrial action of the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG).

The President, who gave the assurance at the opening of the National Labour Conference at Kwahu Nkwatia in the Eastern Region yesterday, stated that more needs to be done in the industrial front to strengthen the rapport among tripartite partners for greater cooperation.

“This is important, in the wake of the recent six-week strike action by the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG).”

“Government is determined to find a satisfactory solution to this impasse, and ensure that the academic calendar is not, substantially, derailed,” he added.

He continued that the best form of negotiations is when both parties to the dispute exhibit good faith within the context of what is “affordable and equitable.”

“I continue to hope that our dons will see this in that light, and help bring the impasse to an end so that the education of our young people can resume in serenity,” he noted.

He assured members of organised labour of the government’s commitment to address their concerns at all times, and appealed to them to give “enthusiastic support and cooperation” to government’s programme of economic recovery.

“Government is determined to work with all stakeholders to see us through this crisis, and all the challenges it has brought in its wake.”

He said, “Our commitment to transform the economy with great urgency should be the guiding principle of all social partners.”

President Akufo-Addo indicated that he expected that discussions at the parallel sessions of the conference would be informed by the real situation on the ground.

“This will enable us to manage our expectations going forward. Nonetheless, and as has been the practice, the Government would continue to dialogue with you on decisions that are in the best interest of the country, labour and the business community.”

“I look forward to more of such dialogues in the coming months, dialogues that will address the goals of equity, productivity and decent wages,” he posited.

He asserted that the government would work to advance opportunities for all Ghanaians to obtain decent and productive work “in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity.”

“We will continue to work proactively, by implementing programmes and policies that will protect the citizenry from the consequences of the pandemic,” he stressed.