University teachers threaten strike over delayed allowance

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), in a united front with the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), has issued a stern warning to the government over the delay in the release of the exchange rate for the payment for the Book and Research Allowance (BRA), describing the situation as unacceptable and destabilising.

In a joint press release issued today, the associations expressed deep frustration over the continued uncertainty surrounding the disbursement of the allowance, which they say is critical to the academic and research activities of their members.

At a meeting held on June 8, 2025, the three unions unanimously resolved to reject any further delays. They demanded that the government urgently release the exchange rate and begin processing the payments, stressing that no extensions beyond September 2025 would be tolerated.

“The Book and Research Allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and remains an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” the statement read.

The unions further warned that if the government fails to initiate the payment process by Friday, June 13, 2025, they will interpret the inaction as a formal strike notice, paving the way for nationwide industrial action across all public universities, technical universities, and colleges of education.

Signed by UTAG National President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, UTAG Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, TUTAG President Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh, CETAG President Mr. Maxwell Bunu, and other key officials, the statement called on government stakeholders to act swiftly to avoid a disruption to the academic calendar.

“This matter affects not only the welfare of teachers but the stability and progress of Ghana’s entire academic system,” the statement concluded.