The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has threatened to stop teaching and other related academic activities from Monday, October 19, 2026, if the government fails to pay its members their 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
In a notice dated October 9, 2026, the association said the planned industrial action was due to continued delays in paying the allowance.
The notice, which was sent to the National Labour Commission, explained that the delay goes against an agreement signed between UTAG and the government in 2020. Under the agreement, the allowance is expected to be paid by the end of August every year.
UTAG-UG has given the government until Friday, October 16, 2026, to pay the outstanding allowance. The association warned that its members would withdraw their services if the payment is not made by the deadline.
In the notice, the association stated:
“Given the current circumstances, if by Friday 16th October 2026 these monies are not paid, members of UTAG-UG will withdraw all teaching and related services beginning Monday 19th of October 2026,” the notice stated.
The letter was signed by UTAG-UG President Dr Jerry Joe Harrison and the association’s secretary, Godfred Bright Hagan.
Copies of the notice were also sent to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the ministers responsible for Employment and Labour Relations, Finance and Education, the Director of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and the national president of UTAG.
This latest warning comes after earlier concerns raised by the University of Ghana branch over delays in paying the allowance, which helps lecturers support their academic work and research activities.
If the government fails to make the payment before the deadline, the planned withdrawal of services could affect lectures and other academic activities at the University of Ghana.
For now, attention is on the government’s response and whether the outstanding payments will be made before the proposed strike begins.
