University Teacher Unions Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Book and Research Allowance
- Three major teacher unions in Ghana have threatened to strike over delayed book and research allowance payments
- UTAG, TUTAG and CETAG have given the government until June 13, 2025, to commence payment or face industrial action
- The unions say their members are frustrated by the delay and will not accept payments beyond September 2025
- Zikira Abdul Bashir, a school administrator, shared her views on this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh
Three major university teacher unions have threatened to withdraw their services if the government fails to pay their book and research allowance.
The unions making the demands are the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
Source: Facebook
In a joint statement issued on Monday, June 9, 2025, the university teacher unions stated that their members have become frustrated and discontent over the delay in payment of the book and research allowance.
“We wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance payment. This delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members who depend on this essential support for their research and academic work,” the unions jointly said.
The statement said the three unions, at a joint meeting held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate for the commencement of the book and research allowance payment.
They also said they would not accept an extension of payment beyond September 2025.
“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by June 13, 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG and CETAG across all campuses to the government,” the teacher unions threatened.
They consequently urged the government to act swiftly on the payment of their book and research allowance to avert any disruption to the academic calendar.
Read the statement below:
Reactions as teacher unions threaten strike
The statement released by the three teacher unions has sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians on social media.
YEN.com.gh compiled a few of the reactions below:
@Yaw Sedie said:
"So where na these people all dey before?? eiiii."
@Evans Naertey also said:
"Walahi, the second Independence must be independent."
@Felix Korbla Ahiamadjie commented:
"Hmmm… every professional union on waiting as soon as the nurses and midwives COS done, they will all rise up."
@Bernyce Antwi also commented:
"Was there a year in academic history that UTAG didn't go on strike. Aban, please solve the problem once and for all."
@Owusu-Ansah Ricky wrote:
"John Dramani Mahama has suffered !!! Where were these people under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo."
Also reacting to this in an interview with YEN.com.gh, Zikira Abdul Bashir, a school administrator, said that the threat of strike action by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG highlighted the pressing concerns of teachers regarding their welfare.
"I believe the threat of strike action by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG underscores the pressing concerns of teachers regarding their welfare. The delayed payment of book and research allowances is unacceptable and may negatively impact teachers’ morale and productivity," she said.
"I urge the government to prioritise these payments and engage in timely dialogue with the unions to resolve this matter amicably. Industrial action would be detrimental to the academic calendar and students’ learning outcomes, so it is crucial for both parties to find a swift resolution," she added.
Source: UGC
Teachers unions call off strike
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that three teacher unions called off their strike over non-payment of allowances.
The President of the Senior Staff Association of the University of Ghana confirmed the U-turn from the union to YEN.com.gh.
The unions had accused the finance minister of acting in bad faith when it comes to their allowances.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
