Ghana’s major academic unions have jointly threatened to strike over the government’s delay in releasing the applicable exchange rate and payments for the annual book and research allowance, a key entitlement for tertiary-level educators.

In a rare show of unity, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) issued a statement on Monday warning of widespread industrial action if the government does not initiate payments by June 13.

The delay, they said, has triggered mounting frustration and uncertainty among academic staff, who rely on the allowance to support research activities critical to teaching and knowledge production.

At a joint meeting held on June 8, the three unions unanimously resolved that the government must “urgently release the applicable exchange rate and commence payments,” noting that the allowance is a statutory component of their Conditions of Service.

Despite the government’s history of late disbursement, the unions stated they would not accept any extension of payments beyond September 2025. “This allowance is not discretionary,” the statement said. “It is essential for the continued functioning of Ghana’s academic institutions.”

The unions warned that failure to meet the June 13 deadline would be considered formal notice of a strike, potentially affecting all campuses nationwide. They also called on the government to act swiftly to avoid disrupting the academic calendar and jeopardizing the broader educational ecosystem.

Source:TheDotNews