The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the government fails to urgently release the long-overdue Book and Research Allowance for its members.
The association said that after consultations with its chapters across the country, UTAG expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the payment of the allowance, describing the situation as unacceptable and detrimental to academic work and research activities.
According to the association, the Book and Research Allowance forms a critical component of the conditions of service for university lecturers and plays a vital role in supporting teaching, research, publication, and professional development.
UTAG said that despite several engagements with the relevant government agencies and assurances that the matter would be addressed, members are yet to receive the allowance.
The association warned that failure by the government to take immediate steps to settle the outstanding payments could compel lecturers across public universities to withdraw their services.
UTAG General Secretary, Dr Samuel Seglah, expressed disappointment over 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,” he said.
Dr Seglah said the rates are usually released by March each year to enable universities to process payments on time.
UTAG further called on the Ministries of Finance and Education, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to expedite the release of funds to avert disruptions to academic activities.
“Our members are not happy about this development,” he said.
“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 Seglah warned.
The association emphasised that while it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement, it will not hesitate to take industrial action should the delay continue.
The threat of a strike raises concerns about potential disruptions to teaching, examinations, research, and administrative activities across public universities if the impasse is not resolved promptly.
The government is yet to officially respond to the latest warning from UTAG.
The Book and Research Allowance is an annual benefit paid to university lecturers to support research, publication, and the acquisition of academic materials necessary for teaching and scholarly work.
