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 throughout the country, cautioning that its members have empowered the national leadership to initiate industrial action if the matter is not resolved promptly.
In addressing the situation, UTAG General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Seglah, conveyed his dissatisfaction regarding the Finance Ministry’s inaction in releasing the current dollar rate essential for calculating book and research allowances for senior faculty members at public universities.
“The University Teachers Association of Ghana is not happy that, as we speak today, the dollar rates for the processing of our book and research allowance for senior members of public universities have not been released by the Finance Ministry,” he stated.
Dr. Seglah noted that these rates are typically made available by March each year to facilitate timely payment processing by universities.
In addition to the delayed allowances, UTAG has expressed discontent with the sluggish progress in negotiations concerning the conditions of service for university lecturers.
Dr. Seglah elaborated that discussions have reached an impasse due to the pending establishment of the Independent Emoluments Commission, while interim arrangements being negotiated with the Salaries Commission remain incomplete and unsigned.
“Our members are not happy about this development,” he remarked.
UTAG has set a deadline for the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to resolve these issues by Friday.
“We are giving the government, specifically the Finance Ministry, up to Friday. If the rate is not released, then on Monday, the national leadership will convene, and we will make a decision. Our members have given us the mandate to take the appropriate actions, and so we’ll lay down our tools,” Dr. Seglah cautioned.
Should the deadlock remain unresolved, educators at public universities may cease their services starting next week, which could lead to significant disruptions in academic operations across the country.
This warning highlights the increasing dissatisfaction among university faculty regarding what they characterize as procrastination in tackling essential welfare and compensation matters.
