The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a June 30 deadline to the government to address some outstanding welfare and conditions-of-service concerns affecting members across public universities, warning that failure to do so could trigger nationwide industrial action.

The ultimatum was announced by the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) following its quarterly statutory meeting held on June 18 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho. In a statement dated June 19, UTAG expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as prolonged delays in resolving matters that directly affect the welfare of university teachers and the credibility of the collective bargaining process.

UTAG has listed several key concerns that need to be addressed, including the government's failure to sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, which was agreed upon by all parties in negotiations. The Association also highlighted unresolved issues relating to post-retirement contract renewals, academic staff rollover, promotion arrears, unpaid allowances, and delays in processing the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.

UTAG has called on the government to immediately implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement and settle all outstanding payments and administrative matters. The Association has warned that if its concerns are not satisfactorily addressed by June 30, all branches will begin consultations within five working days to secure mandates for industrial action.

UTAG reiterated its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing that the government must demonstrate good faith by honouring agreements reached with university teachers.

The single sharpest fact is that UTAG has given the government 10 days to resolve welfare and conditions-of-service concerns, or face nationwide industrial action. This is not the first time UTAG has made demands on the government, having threatened industrial action in the past due to unresolved issues.

UTAG's National President, Eric Kwapong, has been at the forefront of the negotiations with the government. He has been a strong advocate for the welfare of university teachers and has played a key role in shaping the Association's policies.

The University of Ghana, one of the public universities affected by the dispute, has over 50,000 students and is one of the largest in the country. The university has a significant impact on the country's education sector and is a major employer of teachers.

The Ghanaian government has been under pressure to address the welfare concerns of university teachers, with many calling for a comprehensive review of the country's salary structure. The government has faced criticisms for its handling of the dispute, with some accusing it of ignoring the concerns of university teachers.

The outcome of the negotiations between UTAG and the government will have a significant impact on the education sector in Ghana. If the government fails to meet the deadline set by UTAG, it could lead to a wave of industrial action across public universities, disrupting the academic calendar and affecting thousands of students.

The dispute highlights the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of public sector workers, including university teachers. The Association's demands are not just about salary increases, but also about addressing the working conditions and benefits of university teachers.

The National Executive Council of UTAG has threatened to take industrial action if the government fails to meet its demands. The move is seen as a last resort by the Association, which has been engaging in negotiations with the government for months.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance have been slow in processing the Book and Research Allowance, affecting many university teachers.

Key Facts

• The University Teachers Association of Ghana has given the government a June 30 deadline to resolve welfare and conditions-of-service concerns. • UTAG has listed several key concerns that need to be addressed, including the government's failure to sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement. • The Association has called on the government to immediately implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement and settle all outstanding payments and administrative matters. • UTAG has warned that if its concerns are not satisfactorily addressed by June 30, all branches will begin consultations within five working days to secure mandates for industrial action. • The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance have been slow in processing the Book and Research Allowance, affecting many university teachers. • UTAG has over 20 branches across public universities in Ghana. • The Association has been engaging in negotiations with the government for months. • The National Executive Council of UTAG has threatened to take industrial action if the government fails to meet its demands.