The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a warning of a potential nationwide strike commencing on Monday, June 15, should the Ministry of Finance fail to provide the necessary dollar rate for the disbursement of book and research allowances by the end of this week.
UTAG has indicated that the ongoing delay has caused significant frustration among lecturers at public universities nationwide, and cautioned that its members have empowered the national leadership to initiate industrial action if the situation is not rectified.
In a statement on the issue, UTAG General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Seglah, expressed dissatisfaction with the Finance Ministry’s failure to disclose the current dollar rate used to calculate book and research allowances for senior faculty members at public universities.
“The University Teachers Association of Ghana is displeased that, as of today, the dollar rates necessary for processing our book and research allowances for senior faculty members at public universities have not yet been provided by the Finance Ministry,” he remarked.
Dr. Seglah noted that these rates are typically released by March each year to facilitate timely payment processing by universities.
In addition to the delayed allowances, UTAG has expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish progress in negotiations concerning the conditions of service for university lecturers.
Dr. Seglah elaborated that discussions have reached an impasse pending the establishment of the Independent Emoluments Commission, while interim arrangements being negotiated with the Salaries Commission remain incomplete and unsigned.
“Our members are dissatisfied with this situation,” he stated.
UTAG has set a deadline for the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to resolve these issues by Friday.
“We are providing the government, specifically the Finance Ministry, until Friday. If the rate is not disclosed, then on Monday, the national leadership will convene to make a decision. Our members have authorized us to take the necessary actions, and we will cease our work,” Dr. Seglah cautioned.
Should the deadlock remain unresolved, educators at public universities may cease their services starting next week, which could lead to a nationwide disruption of academic activities.
This warning highlights the increasing dissatisfaction among university faculty regarding what they perceive as procrastination in tackling essential welfare and compensation matters.
