UTAG-UEW President Pledges to Build a Resilient Union
The President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Education, Winneba Chapter (UTAG-UEW), Mr. Stephen Osei Akyiaw, has pledged to build a resilient union by advancing the interests of the association.
He assured members that his leadership was committed to vigorously advocating for academic freedom. He said, “We believe that academic freedom is the cornerstone of every thriving higher educational system. We will strenuously defend the rights of our members in the discharge of our academic duties without fear of censorship or reprisal”.
Mr. Akyiaw made the promise at the Students Centre Seminar Room III during the handover and swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected UTAG-UEW executives.
He stressed the need for sustained advocacy for fair compensation. “We will tirelessly advocate for fair and competitive compensation packages for UTAG-UEW members. This includes regular calls on authorities for periodic reviews of certain policies and several emoluments, ensuring that our members are adequately remunerated for their hard work and dedication in the discharge of our duties.”
He pointed out his administration's eagerness to put in place a functioning secretariat to kick-start the progressive growth of UTAG-UEW. He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessors in building a solid foundation to make UTAG-UEW better and pledged to continue.
“Be assured that this administration will solidify the vibrant efforts made by previous administrations, which were aimed at improving the welfare and general well-being of members. With the support of members, our administration will institute cogent administrative measures, income-generation projects, a well-organised local executive committee(s), and other structures that will make our association thrive amid all our prevailing difficulties,” he affirmed.
The UTAG-UEW President disclosed that his administration had already reached an agreement with telecommunication giant, MTN to provide UTAG members with rebated MTN data bundles. He said that negotiations were ongoing with Vodafone and AirtelTigo (at) for similar data offers.
He called on members to play their role diligently in the global fight against environmental degradation by leveraging their status to help promote sustainability practices within various universities and encourage research and teaching related to environmental issues.
“Indeed, we have a responsibility to foster a generation that is environmentally conscious and equipped to address global environmental challenges. I would be failing in my duty to UTAG-UEW in considering all the responsibilities that we all now bear and all the ways at hand to meet those responsibilities if I do not bring this dire issue to your attention and urge thoughtful consideration,” he stated.
He emphasised that the success of UTAG-UEW was largely dependent on the active participation and engagement of all the members. He urged UTAG members to come together to forge a peaceful community for one another and future generations.
He urged members to collaborate to make UEW a centre of excellence and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and education.
