The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given government until June 30, 2026, to resolve a number of outstanding conditions-of-service and welfare issues affecting members across public universities or risk a nationwide strike action.
The ultimatum was issued by the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG following its statutory quarterly meeting held on June 18, 2026, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.
In a statement dated June 19, UTAG expressed frustration over what it described as persistent delays in addressing issues that directly affect university teachers and undermine confidence in the collective bargaining process.
According to the Association, one of the key concerns is government’s failure to sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement despite negotiations having been concluded and agreed upon by all parties.
UTAG explained that the interim adjustment is intended to provide temporary relief for university teachers pending a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission, which is expected to take effect in January 2027.
The Association also cited challenges relating to post-retirement contract renewals and academic staff rollover, saying delays in the approval, regularisation and placement of affected staff on the payroll by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) and the Ministry of Finance continue to affect university operations.
Other concerns raised include the non-payment of the government component of the Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) for Research Fellows and Academic Librarians, outstanding salary arrears owed to some staff of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), promotion arrears due qualified staff in several public universities, and unpaid university components of OTSA for staff of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD).
UTAG also expressed concern over delays in the processing and payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
The Association is therefore calling on government to immediately sign and implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, resolve all post-retirement contract and rollover issues, settle outstanding allowances and arrears, and expedite the payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
UTAG warned that if the issues are not satisfactorily addressed by June 30, all its branches would begin consultations within five working days to obtain the necessary mandates from members for industrial action in accordance with the UTAG Constitution and the Labour Act.
“UTAG has warned that if the outstanding matters are not satisfactorily resolved by 30 June 2026, all branches will, within five working days, begin consultations to secure the necessary mandates from members for appropriate industrial action,” the statement noted.
Despite the threat of a strike, the Association reiterated its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing that government must demonstrate good faith by honouring agreements reached with university teachers.
UTAG further cautioned that the continued failure to fulfil negotiated commitments threatens industrial harmony across Ghana’s public universities and could negatively affect higher education delivery in the country.
