Dr. Addae Mensah (middle) addressing the press as Prof. Charles Marfo (right) looks on
ALL THE Labour Unions at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi have restored service to the school, few days after embarking on a strike action.
The unions included UTAG, GAUA, SSAK and TEWU. They had embarked on an industrial action following what they termed as government’s attempt to violate the university’s Act and Statutes.
According to the unions, the timely intervention of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, influenced their decision to quit the strike action and resume work.
“Today, we the various labour bodies at KNUST i.e. UTAG, GAUA, FUSAG, TEWU and all others, have called you here to share in our joy”, Dr. Okyere Addae Mensah, a member of KNUST UTAG, said adding that “As we speak, levelheadedness has prevailed and the government has retracted its attempts that were definitely in violation of the university’s Act and Statutes.”
Addressing a mammoth press conference, Dr. Addae Mensah said “We wish to take this opportunity to thank Otumfuo profusely for shortening the path and our struggle to victory through intervention in the impasse.
“Indeed, here is a leader with immense wisdom and who, in spite of the great power he wields over his kingdom, does not believe political power must be used to attack academic freedom in universities”.
Dr. Addae Mensah also thanked the government for doing what is honourable and for the show of maturity, adding that the various unions are prepared to restore their services to the university without delay.
On his part, Prof. Charles Marfo, another top member of KNUST UTAG, stated that latest by Friday, November 2, this year, all the labour unions of the KNUST would resume full services to the university.
He also saluted the Asantehene, the government, and all other major stakeholders, whose interventions had contributed to ensuring lasting peace at the university, for their splendid work, so far.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi