The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has declared an indefinite industrial strike, effective October 1, 2026, over what it describes as unresolved concerns regarding members’ conditions of service and contractual rights.
The decision follows a unanimous resolution adopted by Congress on September 24, 2026, after what the Association says has been prolonged engagement with the government and relevant agencies.
Addressing the media at Ho Technical University on October 1, 2026, TUTAG National President, Prof. Deodat E. Adenutsi, said the strike had become necessary following the continued failure to resolve key concerns raised by the Association.
According to him, some members employed on post-retirement contracts have remained unpaid for more than 27 months, despite having worked under valid contracts.
He said TUTAG had engaged the Ministries of Education and Finance, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the National Labour Commission over the matter, but no tangible resolution had been reached.
Prof. Adenutsi said some affected members had unfortunately died while waiting for their outstanding remuneration, describing the situation as a serious concern for their families and dependants.
TUTAG is therefore demanding the immediate payment of all verified outstanding contractual remuneration, together with a clear written payment timetable for affected members and, where applicable, the lawful representatives of deceased colleagues.
The Association is also protesting what it describes as unilateral variations in the agreed Scheme of Service, particularly concerning university librarians and Assistant Lecturers and Assistant Research Fellows.
On librarians, TUTAG wants discrepancies relating to classification and remuneration to be resolved, including the payment of applicable market premiums and arrears.
The Association is also challenging a July 31, 2025 directive by GTEC requiring Assistant Lecturers and Assistant Research Fellows to obtain a PhD before being redesignated as Lecturers or Research Fellows.
TUTAG argues that the 2021 Scheme of Service requires PhD enrolment alongside specified service, teaching performance and publication criteria, and is calling for consultation on any changes to the agreed framework.
Meanwhile, the Association says the Book and Research Allowance for the 2025/26 academic year is no longer a substantive basis for the current strike following steps taken by government to initiate payment.
TUTAG noted that a GTEC letter dated September 28, 2026, confirmed that the first batch of payments had been released onto GIFMIS for processing by the respective institutions.
Under the industrial action, TUTAG has directed its members to withdraw their services relating to teaching, supervision of students’ research and submission of examination marks indefinitely.
However, members are expected to continue performing other professional duties, including attending meetings, serving on boards and committees, conducting research and undertaking community service.
Prof. Adenutsi acknowledged that the strike would disrupt students and university communities but maintained that members must defend their contractual rights and agreed conditions of service.
He called on government and the relevant agencies to urgently address the concerns, while urging TUTAG members to remain united and disciplined throughout the industrial action.
The Association’s stated demands are the payment of outstanding contractual remuneration and respect for the agreed conditions and Scheme of Service.
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