The University of Ghana Chapter of the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN), aligned with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the government’s handling of key national issues.

In a press conference held today, the student wing highlighted the devastating effects of the ongoing strike by university staff, the unchecked illegal mining activities (galamsey), and the suppression of recent peaceful protests.

Led by Jonathan Atitsogbey, the President of UG-TEIN, the group expressed growing frustration over the nationwide strike involving several unions, including the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) and the Senior Staff Association (SSA). The strike has disrupted the academic calendar, cutting the semester from 13 to just 9 weeks, with fears of further reductions.

“The strike is taking a toll on students’ academic progress and well-being,” Atitsogbey stated. “The ongoing industrial actions, though justified, have left students uncertain about their future, causing academic calendar disruptions, financial difficulties, and emotional strain,” he said.

UG-TEIN’s leadership pointed to longstanding issues such as unfulfilled conditions of service, salary disparities, and pension concerns, urging the government and university authorities to find immediate solutions. The group called on the government to expedite negotiations with the unions to prevent further harm to students’ education.

In addition to the academic concerns, TEIN expressed dismay over the government’s handling of the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis, which has polluted major rivers like Pra, Ankobra, and Offin. Despite promises from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who famously pledged to combat galamsey, the destructive practice continues unabated, posing a serious threat to the nation’s environment and water resources.

“This government is failing in its commitment to protect our natural resources,” Atitsogbey remarked. “We demand stronger, bipartisan action to end galamsey, as it endangers not only our environment but the livelihoods of millions.”

TEIN also condemned the recent arrests of Democracy Hub protesters who had peacefully demonstrated against galamsey and demanded the release of the detained individuals, including a pregnant woman, a 10-year-old girl, and a 62-year-old lady. TEIN accused the government of hypocrisy in handling protests, referencing President Nana Addo’s own leadership during the famous “Kumi Preko” protest in 1995.

“It is ironic that the president who once championed peaceful demonstrations is now overseeing a regime that cracks down on peaceful protestors,” Atitsogbey stated. “The arrests of citizens exercising their constitutional rights are unjust and undemocratic.”

The group is further demanding a forensic audit of the electoral roll ahead of the upcoming elections. They raised concerns about potential anomalies in the voters’ register, calling for transparency and electoral accountability.

UG-TEIN pledged its support for the NDC’s promises to reform education, including the proposed absorption of academic fees for first-year tertiary students and a restructured Student Loan Trust Fund for continuing students.

“Students deserve a government that listens and delivers,” Atitsogbey said. “We believe that under the next NDC administration, the future of Ghana’s youth will be secure.