UTAG threatens strike; slams gov’t over unpaid research allowance
Ghana’s university lecturers have threatened to begin a nationwide strike next week over delays in the payment of their Book and Research Allowance (BRA), a key component of their conditions of service, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) said in a statement.
The union said its National Executive Council (NEC) resolved at an emergency meeting on Monday to withdraw teaching and related services from Thursday (6 November), if the government fails to settle outstanding allowances owed to members across 11 public universities.
UTAG accused the government of “unduly delaying” the payment of the allowance, which supports academic research and professional development.
The group said only four of Ghana’s fifteen public universities have received their allowances for the current academic year.
“The persistent disregard for agreed obligations leaves the Association with no alternative but to exercise its lawful right to strike in defence of members’ welfare,” UTAG National President, Prof. Vera Fiador, said in a letter addressed to the National Labour Commission (NLC).
The union noted that it had earlier set a September 30 deadline for the government to meet its obligations and later extended the grace period by one month “in demonstration of utmost good faith.”
UTAG has formally notified the NLC, as required by Ghana’s Labour Act, and requested the Commission’s urgent intervention to ensure the government fulfils its commitment before the strike date.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance have yet to comment on the union’s notice.
