UTAG threatens strike over delayed book and research allowance

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike from Monday, June 15, if the Ministry of Finance fails to release the dollar rate required for the payment of book and research allowances by the end of this week.

UTAG said the delay has frustrated lecturers across the country’s public universities, warning that members have already given the national leadership the mandate to take industrial action if the issue remains unresolved

Speaking on the matter, UTAG General Secretary, Dr Samuel Seglah, expressed disappointment over the Finance Ministry’s failure to release the prevailing dollar rate used in calculating book and research allowances for senior members of 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 said.

According to Dr Seglah, the rates are usually released by March each year to enable universities to process payments on time.

Beyond the delayed allowances, UTAG is also unhappy with the slow progress in negotiations on conditions of service for university lecturers.

Dr Seglah explained that discussions have stalled pending the operationalisation of the Independent Emoluments Commission, while interim arrangements being worked on with the Salaries Commission are yet to be concluded and signed.

“Our members are not happy about this development,” he said.

UTAG has given the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, until Friday to address the concerns.

“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 warned.

If the impasse is not resolved, lecturers across public universities could withdraw their services from next week, potentially disrupting academic activities nationwide.

The threat underscores growing frustration among university teachers over what they describe as delays in addressing key welfare and remuneration issues.