The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the Ministry of Finance fails to release the dollar exchange rate needed to process book and research allowances for lecturers.
The association says it will take industrial action from Monday, June 15, if the issue remains unresolved.
UTAG General Secretary, Dr Samuel Seglah, said members are unhappy with the delay in releasing the exchange rate used to calculate allowances for senior members of public universities.
Speaking on the matter, he expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Finance’s handling of the issue.
“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 exchange rate is usually released by March each year. This allows universities enough time to process and pay the allowances.
UTAG also raised concerns about delays in negotiations over lecturers’ conditions of service.
Dr Seglah explained that discussions have stalled because the Independent Emoluments Commission is not yet operational.
He said interim arrangements under discussion with the Salaries Commission have also not been finalised.
“Our members are not happy about this development,” he stated.
The association has given the government until Friday to address its concerns.
Dr Seglah warned that UTAG’s national leadership would meet on Monday to decide on the next course of action if the Finance Ministry fails to release the exchange rate.
“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,” he said.
“Our members have given us the mandate to take the appropriate actions, and so we’ll lay down our tools.”
A nationwide strike by UTAG could disrupt academic activities across public universities.
Lecturers say they expect the government to act quickly to avoid interruptions to teaching, research and other university operations.
The association maintains that the timely payment of book and research allowances remains essential to supporting academic work and professional development.
