UTAG gives government June 30 deadline over conditions of service, threatens nationwide strike

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)) has issued a firm ultimatum to the government, demanding resolution of outstanding conditions of service and welfare concerns affecting members across public universities by June 30, 2026, or face the possibility of a nationwide strike.

The decision was announced by UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) following its statutory quarterly meeting held on June 18, 2026, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho. In a statement dated June 19, the Association expressed frustration over prolonged delays in addressing long-standing issues it says are weakening confidence in collective bargaining processes.

A major concern raised by UTAG is the government’s failure to sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, despite negotiations having been concluded and agreed upon by all parties. The Association explained that the interim arrangement is meant to provide temporary relief to university lecturers pending a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission, expected to take effect in January 2027.

UTAG also highlighted unresolved challenges involving post-retirement contract renewals and academic staff rollover processes. It cited delays in approval, regularisation, and payroll placement of affected staff by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, and the Ministry of Finance, noting that these issues continue to disrupt university operations.

Other grievances include non-payment of the government component of the Online Teaching Support Allowance for Research Fellows and Academic Librarians, salary arrears owed to staff of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), promotion arrears for eligible staff in several public universities, and unpaid allowances for staff of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). The Association further raised concerns about delays in the processing and payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.

UTAG is calling on government to immediately sign and implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, resolve all post-retirement and rollover issues, clear outstanding arrears and allowances, and expedite payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.

The Association warned that if its demands are not met by the deadline, all branches will, within five working days, begin consultations with members to secure mandates for industrial action in line with its constitution and Ghana’s labour laws.

Despite the threat of strike action, UTAG reiterated its commitment to dialogue, urging government to demonstrate good faith by honouring existing agreements. It cautioned that continued delays risk undermining industrial harmony in Ghana’s public universities and could negatively affect the delivery of higher education nationwide.