UTAG Strike Continues

Prof Naana Opoku Agyeman – Minister of Education

The industrial action embarked upon by University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) would not end anytime soon until government pays the arrears on market premium in addition to book and research allowances.

'We will not call off the strike until all outstanding arrears are paid,' said Dr Langbong Bimi, University of Ghana, UTAG President.

Dr Bimi, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday, said Government failed to demonstrate commitment in implementing a payment plan agreed upon by UTAG and the National Labour Commission, stressing that consequently members had no option than to lay down their tools.

As part of the payment plan, he said Government was expected to clear all arrears as at July 31, however that was ignored after several attempts by UTAG to get it.

Dr Bimi also refuted reports that members of the Association had been paid.

Even if Government pays the arrears on market premium, the issue of book and research allowances ought to be resolved before UTAG would end the strike, he said.

UTAG will meet the National Security Coordinator and the National Labour Commission on the negotiation of book and research allowances on Monday, Dr Bimi said.

UTAG members embarked on the strike action on Thursday, August 1 to back demands for the payment of their arrears.

GNA