The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given the government a June 30, 2026 deadline to address a number of outstanding conditions-of-service and welfare concerns affecting academic staff in public universities, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide strike action.
In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho on June 18, UTAG expressed concern over what it described as persistent delays in implementing agreements and settling benefits due its members.
The association said government had yet to sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement despite negotiations having been concluded and all parties reaching consensus. According to UTAG, the adjustment is intended to provide temporary relief to university teachers pending a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission, expected to take effect in January 2027.
UTAG also cited unresolved challenges relating to post-retirement contract renewals, academic staff rollover arrangements, and delays in the regularisation and payroll placement of affected staff by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance. The association said these delays were negatively affecting staffing levels and the smooth operation of public universities.
Other concerns raised by the association include the non-payment of the government component of the Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) for Research Fellows and Academic Librarians, outstanding salary arrears for some staff of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), unpaid promotion arrears in several universities, and delays in the payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
UTAG is demanding immediate government action to sign and implement the salary adjustment agreement, resolve rollover and post-retirement contract issues, settle all outstanding allowances and arrears, and expedite the processing of the Book and Research Allowance.
The association warned that if the issues remain unresolved by June 30, all UTAG branches would, within five working days, begin consultations with members to secure the necessary mandates for industrial action in line with the UTAG Constitution and the Labour Act.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, UTAG stressed that the continued failure to honour negotiated agreements undermines confidence in the collective bargaining process and threatens industrial harmony across Ghana’s public universities. The association called on government to demonstrate good faith by fulfilling its commitments without further delay.
The statement was jointly signed by UTAG National President, Prof. Vera O. Fiador, and National Secretary, Samuel Kingsford Seglah.
Story By: Eric Boateng
