UTAG has given government until June 30, 2026, to resolve salary adjustment delays, unpaid allowances, promotion arrears, and Book and Research Allowance issues or face a nationwide strike.
Ferdinand Ellis, June 22: The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong ultimatum to government, demanding immediate action on several outstanding conditions of service affecting university lecturers and researchers across the country.
The association has given government until June 30, 2026, to address a range of unresolved welfare and salary-related concerns or risk a nationwide industrial action that could disrupt academic activities in public universities.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by UTAG’s National Secretariat following its National Executive Committee (NEC) quarterly meeting held on June 18, 2026, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.
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UTAG Raises Concerns Over Delayed Salary Adjustment and Outstanding Payments
According to the association, one of the major concerns is the delay in signing and implementing an Interim Salary Adjustment agreement that had already been negotiated and concluded between UTAG and government representatives.
UTAG explained that the adjustment was intended to serve as temporary relief for university staff ahead of a broader salary review expected under the Interim Economic Committee (IEC) framework in January 2027.
The association believes the prolonged delay is negatively affecting staff morale and undermining confidence in collective bargaining processes.
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Delays in Post-Retirement Contracts and Promotion Arrears Spark Concern
Another issue raised by UTAG relates to delays in the approval, regularisation, and payment of post-retirement contract staff following the reversal of directives previously issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
The association says several affected staff continue to experience uncertainty regarding their employment status and compensation despite engagements involving GTEC, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance.
UTAG also highlighted outstanding promotion arrears and unpaid salaries affecting some staff members, particularly at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) and other public universities.
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Book and Research Allowance Delays Add to University Staff Frustration
The association further expressed concern over delays in processing and paying the 2026 Book and Research Allowance, which it described as unusually slow compared to previous years.
UTAG noted that the allowance remains a critical academic support mechanism that enables lecturers and researchers to undertake scholarly work, purchase research materials, and participate in academic conferences.
The delay, according to the association, is creating uncertainty among academic staff and affecting research activities across public universities.
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OTSA Payments Remain Outstanding for Research Fellows and Librarians
UTAG also cited the continued non-payment of government’s portion of the Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) for Research Fellows, Academic Librarians, and staff of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD).
The association argues that these obligations remain outstanding despite previous commitments and engagements with relevant authorities.
According to UTAG, resolving the issue would help restore confidence and improve industrial harmony within the tertiary education sector.
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What Happens If Government Misses the June 30 Deadline?
UTAG has warned that failure to resolve the outstanding issues by June 30, 2026, will trigger consultations across all local branches to seek approval for industrial action.
The association explained that the process would be conducted in accordance with the UTAG Constitution and the provisions of Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
Should members approve the action, public universities across Ghana could experience disruptions to lectures, examinations, academic supervision, and research activities.
Students, postgraduate researchers, teacher trainees, and parents may therefore be directly affected if negotiations fail.
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UTAG Says Dialogue Remains Its Preferred Option
Despite the ultimatum, UTAG insists that it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with government.
However, the association cautioned that persistent delays in implementing negotiated agreements threaten industrial harmony and undermine confidence in Ghana’s public university system.
The statement was signed by Prof. Vera O. Fiador, National President, and Dr. Samuel Kingsford Seglah, National Secretary.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is UTAG?
UTAG is the University Teachers Association of Ghana, the recognised representative body for lecturers, researchers, and academic staff in public universities.
What is OTSA?
OTSA stands for Online Teaching Support Allowance, a support package introduced to assist academic staff with technology and online teaching-related expenses.
What is the deadline given to government?
UTAG has given government until June 30, 2026, to resolve the outstanding issues.
How could a UTAG strike affect students?
A nationwide strike could disrupt lectures, examinations, project supervision, academic calendars, and administrative activities in public universities.
What is the Book and Research Allowance?
It is an allowance provided to academic staff to support research activities, academic publications, books, conferences, and scholarly development.
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External References
University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)
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