Public university uinions declare indefinite strike over allowances and unpaid arrears

Three labour unions representing workers in Ghana’s public universities have withdrawn their services indefinitely, accusing the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and government of breaching negotiated agreements and subjecting staff to unfair treatment.

In a statement issued on February 3, 2026, the unions explained that the action was triggered by what they described as a unilateral revision of their conditions of service, particularly the replacement of overtime compensation for senior staff with a call-in allowance.

According to the unions, an agreement reached in 2021 with the FWSC and government explicitly recognised overtime payments for senior members. However, the University of Ghana discontinued the benefit last year, a move they say has now been adopted by other public universities such as the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and the University for Development Studies (UDS), despite unresolved negotiations.

Beyond the allowance issue, the unions expressed frustration over outstanding salary arrears and related benefits owed for nearly four years following the elevation of NAFTI, GIL, and GIJ into the University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC).

They also pointed to the non-remittance of five months’ Tier Two pension contributions covering August to December 2024, insisting that statutory penalties should be imposed in line with pension laws.

While describing the strike as a last resort, the unions maintained that respect for collective agreements and equitable treatment of university staff cannot be compromised, warning that work will not resume until their concerns are adequately addressed.