Three major unions in Ghana’s tertiary education sector have issued an ultimatum to the government: release and begin payment of book and research allowances by June 13, 2025, or risk a nationwide strike.
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) say the government’s delay in disbursing the allowance and in releasing the applicable exchange rate has caused widespread frustration and uncertainty among academic staff.
The Unions, in a joint statement on Monday, June 9, underscored the essential role the allowance plays in supporting teaching, research, and academic work, and described its delay as unacceptable.
According to them, following a joint meeting held on June 8, the unions resolved that they would not tolerate any extension of the payment timeline beyond September 2025, regardless of when the funds are released.
The unions emphasized that the book and research allowance is a statutory obligation under their Conditions of Service and not a discretionary payment.
They urged the government to prioritize the welfare of teachers and take swift action to avoid disruption to the academic calendar and learning outcomes in Ghana’s higher education institutions.
A part of the statement noted, “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) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment. This delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.”
Read below the statement
