UTAG Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Delay in Book and Research Allowance Payments

• HiThe University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned that lecturers across public universities may begin a nationwide strike from Monday, June 15, 2026, if the government fails to address concerns over delayed book and research allowance payments.

 

According to UTAG, the Ministry of Finance has not yet released the dollar exchange rate needed to calculate and pay the allowances. The delay has caused frustration among lecturers, who say they have waited too long for the issue to be resolved.

 

Speaking on the matter, UTAG General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Seglah, expressed disappointment over the situation.

 

“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. Seglah explained that the exchange rate is normally released by March each year. This allows universities enough time to process and pay the allowances to lecturers.

 

He noted that the continued delay has left many university teachers unhappy and worried.

 

Apart from the delayed allowance payments, UTAG also raised concerns about the slow progress in negotiations on the conditions of service for university lecturers.

 

According to Dr. Seglah, discussions have stalled because the Independent Emoluments Commission is yet to become fully operational. He added that temporary arrangements being discussed with the Salaries Commission have also not been finalized.

“Our members are not happy about this development.”

 

UTAG has given the government, especially the Ministry of Finance, until Friday to release the exchange rate and address their concerns.

 

Dr. Seglah warned that failure to do so could lead to industrial action.

“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 further stressed that lecturers have already authorized the leadership to take action if nothing changes.

 

“Our members have given us the mandate to take the appropriate actions, and so we’ll lay down our tools.”

 

If the strike goes ahead, academic activities in public universities across Ghana could be disrupted. Lectures, research work, and other university operations may be affected until the concerns of lecturers are addressed.

 

Students and university authorities will therefore be closely watching developments over the coming days as the deadline approaches.

 

UTAG says it remains hopeful that the Ministry of Finance will act quickly to prevent a nationwide strike. However, the association insists that if the exchange rate for the book and research allowance is not released by the end of the week, lecturers may withdraw their services from Monday, June 15.