Professor Isaac Boadi of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has expressed frustration with the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for initiating a strike.

His concerns come after Organized Labour had already suspended their planned nationwide strike.

He argued that universities should serve as problem-solving institutions, not places for organizing strikes, emphasizing that their focus should be on finding solutions.

"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.

He also criticized UTAG's decision to strike after Organized Labour, which represents all workers, called off their own strike.

As a member of UTAG and Dean of Accounting and Finance at UPSA, Professor Boadi acknowledged the government's efforts to address some of UTAG’s concerns, such as increasing online teaching and research allowances.

He viewed the strike as an unjustified reaction to these efforts.

He questioned why UTAG frequently resorted to strikes at the slightest issue, a practice he deemed uncommon in other countries.

"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.

Professor Boadi urged UTAG leadership to focus on issues that directly impact their profession and avoid unnecessary disruptions. He emphasized that strikes should only be called when their work is truly affected.

"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.

He also clarified that UTAG-UPSA is not participating in the strike because their priority is the well-being of their students.