Tertiary education unions threaten nationwide strike over unpaid research allowance
9th June 2025
Three major unions in Ghana’s tertiary education sector, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if government fails to pay their book and research allowances by June 13, 2025.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, June 9, the unions expressed deep frustration over what they termed the “undue delay” in releasing the official exchange rate required to compute the allowances.
According to them, the delay has caused “significant uncertainty and frustration” among members, many of whom rely on the funds to support ongoing academic and research activities.
Following a meeting held on June 8, the unions stated that while they are willing to accommodate the late release of the exchange rate, they will not accept any payment delays beyond September 2025.
They explained that the book and research allowance is a contractual obligation under their Conditions of Service, not a favor extended by government.
"We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG and CETAG cross all campuses to the government," a piece of the statement read.
The unions called on government to act swiftly to avoid disrupting the academic calendar and further straining the already burdened education sector.