UG-UTAG on Strike

The University of Ghana Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has embarked on an indefinite industrial action effective January 10, 2022.

This follows an earlier warning to NEC to withdraw an earlier communique indicating UTAG’s acceptance of USD 1600 in Research Allowance, among other things.

Prior to this action, the chapter had threatened to down its tools on January 3, 2022.

On August 2, UTAG declared a nationwide strike over poor conditions of service and demanded a basic plus market premium of $2,084.42 per lecturer.

The current arrangement pegs members’ basic premiums at $997.84.

Following the impact of the strike which included the distortion of the academic calendar, cancellation of exams and postponed graduation, leadership of UTAG and relevant government authorities went to the table for resolve.

The outcome of negotiations was government’s proposed USD 1600 Research Allowance, payable in 2024.

A later communique by UTAG on November 11, 2021 indicated an acceptance of the proposed figure.

However, the UG Chapter insists due diligence was not done prior to the issuance of that communique as all branches did not approve and ratify the entails of the Memorandum of Agreement. Hence, its rejection. Six other chapters support UG-UTAG’s decision including KNUST, UDS, UEW and UENR.

A letter dated 17th December 2021 and signed by Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan “…wishes to advise NEC to… proceed to withdraw its communique of 11th November, 2021 and duly inform government of UTAG’s rejection of the MoA.”