UDS Lecturers Threaten Strike As GTEC Cancels Some Office Positions

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the University of Development Studies (UDS) has threatened to strike following the cancellation of several positions by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

In a statement, UTAG accuses the commission of banning certain positions that had previously received approval from University Councils, which they believe infringes upon the autonomy of public universities.

Secretary of UTAG-UDS, Dr. Elliasu Mumuni, expressed the dissatisfaction of local members, warning that if the exercise and directives from the commission are not halted, teaching activities and other community services reflecting the functions of a university will cease by July 28.

“Members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, UDS (UTAG-UDS) and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) of UDS have observed that his exercise of cancellation of positions was reached without recourse and consultations with the members of Public University Unions across the country, who are critically affected by these unilateral decisions.

“We also observed, with disturbance, that some of these positions offered for cancellation were negotiated for as part of the payroll allowances. We observed the controlling, micromanaging behaviors and ‘headmaster’ act of GTEC regarding the public universities’ day-to-day administration and academic autonomy system, which members will resist,” the statement said.

UTAG-UDS has therefore appealed to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to reconsider its directives and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find a mutually beneficial resolution.

The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the strike action proceeds, as UTAG-UDS advocates for the protection of university autonomy and the unhindered operation of educational institutions.

Below is the statement.