The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a June 30 ultimatum to the government to resolve a raft of outstanding welfare and conditions-of-service concerns, warning that failure to act could trigger a nationwide industrial action across public universities.
The warning was issued by UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) following its quarterly statutory meeting held on June 18 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.
In a statement dated June 19, the Association expressed frustration over what it described as persistent delays in addressing issues affecting the welfare of university teachers and undermining the collective bargaining process.
A major concern is the 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 agreement is intended to provide temporary financial relief for academic staff pending a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission, expected to take effect in January 2027.
The Association also cited unresolved matters including post-retirement contract renewals, academic staff rollover, promotion arrears, unpaid allowances, and delays in the processing of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
According to UTAG, delays by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance in approving and placing affected staff on payroll continue to disrupt operations in public universities.
UTAG has therefore called on the government to immediately implement the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement and clear all outstanding payments and administrative bottlenecks.
The Association warned that if its concerns are not satisfactorily addressed by June 30, all UTAG branches will begin consultations within five working days to secure mandates for industrial action in line with the UTAG Constitution and the Labour Act.
Despite the ultimatum, UTAG reiterated its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, urging the government to demonstrate good faith by honouring agreements reached with university teachers.
