The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned that it could embark on a nationwide strike from Monday, June 15, if the Ministry of Finance fails to release the dollar exchange rate required for the payment of book and research allowances by the end of this week.
The association says the prolonged delay has generated widespread frustration among lecturers in public universities across the country, with members authorising national leaders to take industrial action should the issue remain unresolved.
Speaking on the matter, UTAG General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Seglah, expressed concern over what he described as the Finance Ministry’s failure to release the prevailing dollar rate used in calculating book and research allowances for senior members of public universities.
“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.” - Dr. Samuel Seglah
According to Dr. Seglah, the rates are typically released by March each year to allow institutions to process and disburse the allowances on schedule.
The delay, he noted, has disrupted the normal payment process and heightened dissatisfaction among academic staff.
Concerns Extend Beyond Allowances
Beyond the issue of delayed allowances, UTAG also raised concerns about the slow pace of negotiations on conditions of service for university lecturers.
Dr. Seglah explained that discussions have stalled pending the full operationalisation of the Independent Emoluments Commission. He added that interim arrangements currently being pursued with the Salaries Commission have yet to be concluded and formally signed.
“Our members are not happy about this development,” he said, stressing that lecturers expect faster progress on issues affecting their welfare and remuneration.
UTAG has given the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, until Friday to address its concerns and release the required rates.
“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.
"Our members have given us the mandate to take the appropriate actions, and so we’ll lay down our tools.” - Dr. Samuel Seglah
If the impasse persists, a nationwide withdrawal of services by lecturers could disrupt teaching, research and other academic activities across Ghana’s public universities, adding pressure on government to reach a swift resolution.
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