The University Teachers Association of Ghana has given the government until June 30, 2026, to address a number of unresolved conditions-of-service and welfare concerns affecting members across public universities, warning that failure to do so could pave the way for a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum was issued following the National Executive Council’s statutory quarterly meeting held on June 18 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.
In a statement signed by National President Prof. Vera O. Fiador and National Secretary Dr. Samuel Kingsford Seglah, UTAG said the continued delays in implementing agreed measures had become untenable and were eroding confidence in the collective bargaining process.
According to the association, among the key issues yet to be resolved is the government’s failure to sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement despite negotiations having been concluded and consensus reached by all parties. The interim arrangement is intended to provide temporary relief ahead of a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission (IEC), expected to take effect in January 2027.
UTAG also raised concerns over challenges relating to post-retirement contract renewals and staff rollover, outstanding payments under the Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA), unpaid promotion and salary arrears, and delays in the payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
The association said “the continuing delays are unacceptable and risk further undermining confidence in the collective bargaining process.”
It further maintained that the persistent delays “are inconsistent with the principles of good-faith collective bargaining and with commitments made by Government to organised labour.”
UTAG is demanding that government immediately sign and implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, resolve all post-retirement contract and rollover issues, settle outstanding salary and promotion arrears, facilitate the payment of the various components of the Online Teaching Support Allowance, and expedite the processing and payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
The association warned that if the outstanding issues are not satisfactorily resolved by June 30, all its branches would, within five working days, begin consultations to obtain the necessary mandates from members for industrial action.
UTAG emphasized that, “if the outstanding matters are not satisfactorily resolved by 30 June 2026, all branches will, within five (5) working days of this release, begin consultations to secure the necessary mandates from members for appropriate industrial action in accordance with the UTAG Constitution and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).”
Despite the ultimatum, the association reaffirmed its preference for dialogue, stressing its “unwavering commitment to dialogue, negotiation, and constructive engagement.”
However, UTAG cautioned that “the persistent failure to honour duly negotiated agreements undermines confidence in the collective bargaining process and threatens industrial harmony within Ghana’s public universities.”
The association consequently called on the government to demonstrate good faith by honouring, without further delay, all commitments made to university teachers.
