UTAG Gives Government June 30 Deadline to Address Welfare Concerns or Face Nationwide Strike

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                            Education News    Ghana 

 

UTAG Gives Government June 30 Deadline to Address Welfare Concerns or Face Nationwide Strike

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a June 30 deadline to the government to address several unresolved welfare and conditions-of-service concerns affecting lecturers in public universities, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide strike.

The decision was taken by UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) during its quarterly statutory meeting held on June 18 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.

In a statement released on June 19, the Association expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as continued delays in resolving critical issues affecting the welfare of academic staff and weakening confidence in the collective bargaining process.

A key concern raised by UTAG is the government’s failure to formalise and sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, despite negotiations being concluded and an agreement reached by all parties involved.

According to UTAG, the interim salary arrangement was intended to provide temporary relief for university lecturers pending a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission, which is expected to take effect in January 2027.

The Association also highlighted several unresolved matters, including issues surrounding post-retirement contract renewals, rollover arrangements for academic staff, unpaid promotion arrears, outstanding allowances, and delays in the payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.

UTAG further criticised delays by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance in approving affected staff and placing them on the payroll, noting that the situation continues to disrupt the efficient operation of public universities.

The Association is therefore demanding the immediate implementation of the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, the payment of all outstanding benefits, and swift action to resolve pending administrative challenges.

UTAG warned that if significant progress is not made by the June 30 deadline, its branches across the country will begin consultations within five working days to secure the necessary mandate for industrial action in accordance with the UTAG Constitution and the Labour Act.

Despite the warning, the Association reiterated its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, urging the government to honour agreements reached with university lecturers and take urgent steps to restore confidence in the negotiation process.