UTAG Gives Government June 30 Deadline to Resolve Service Conditions or Face Strike

The University Teachers Association of Ghana has issued a June 30 ultimatum to government to resolve outstanding conditions of service for lecturers in public universities, warning of a nationwide strike if the demands are not met.

The decision was announced in a press release from UTAG’s National Executive Council following its statutory quarterly meeting on June 18 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho.

*Key Issues Cited*

UTAG said several matters remain unresolved, including:

1. *Interim Salary Adjustment*: Government has not signed the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement despite completed negotiations. The adjustment is meant to provide temporary relief before a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission takes effect in January 2027.

2. *Post-retirement contracts*: Delays persist in the approval, regularization, and placement of academic staff on payroll by GTEC, CAGD, and the Ministry of Finance after the reversal of a GTEC directive.

3. *Online Teaching Support Allowance*: The government component of OTSA for Research Fellows and Academic Librarians remains unpaid. The university component of OTSA for staff of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development is also outstanding.

4. *Arrears*: Salary arrears owed to some UniMAC staff and promotion arrears due to qualified staff in several public universities have not been settled.

5. *Book and Research Allowance*: Processing and payment of the 2026 allowance have been delayed, contrary to established practice.

*UTAG’s Demands*

The association called on government to immediately sign and implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, resolve post-retirement contract challenges, pay all outstanding OTSA components, settle promotion and salary arrears for affected UniMAC staff, and expedite payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.

*Strike Warning*