Ghana University Teachers Give Government June 30 Deadline for Allowances

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has set a firm deadline of June 30, 2026, for the government to settle all outstanding welfare and conditions-of-service matters. Failure to meet this deadline could result in industrial action by university teachers across the country.

UTAG cited several critical issues that are causing anxiety among its members and eroding confidence in the collective bargaining process. These include significant delays in the signing of an interim salary adjustment agreement, despite negotiations having concluded successfully. Additionally, numerous allowances remain unpaid, promotion arrears are outstanding, and challenges persist with the regularization of academic staff. UTAG stated that these delays are inconsistent with the principles of good-faith collective bargaining and government commitments to organized labor.

"UTAG warns that if the outstanding matters are not satisfactorily resolved by June 30, 2026, all branches will, within five working days, 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)," the association declared in a statement signed by its President, Professor Vera Fiador.

The association also highlighted concerns regarding post-retirement contract renewals and academic staff rollover arrangements, which have been complicated by reversals of directives from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Delays in processing and payment by GTEC, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, and the Ministry of Finance are adversely affecting staffing levels and the operational effectiveness of public universities. Furthermore, UTAG pointed to the non-payment of specific allowances, such as the Online Teaching Support Allowance for Research Fellows and Academic Librarians, and outstanding salary arrears for some staff at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC). The processing and payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance have also been unduly delayed.

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UTAG warns that if the outstanding matters are not satisfactorily resolved by June 30, 2026, all branches will, within five working days, 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).