The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given the government a one-week ultimatum to release the 2026 Book and Research Allowance, warning that failure to do so could lead to renewed industrial action.
The allowance, which is intended to support lecturers’ academic, teaching and research activities, remains unpaid despite being due. UTAG has also expressed concern over the absence of a clear timeline for its payment.
The union says the delay is particularly disappointing because it suspended its planned strike in June after receiving assurances from the Ministries of Education and Finance that its concerns would be addressed.
Speaking in an interview, President of the University of Ghana chapter of UTAG, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, said the union suspended the strike in good faith but believes the government has failed to reciprocate that gesture.
“Of course, in good faith, we suspended our strike. But unfortunately, that good faith has not been reciprocated by government,” he said.
He explained that the latest ultimatum is meant to give the government one final opportunity to resolve the issue before UTAG considers industrial action.
He said that if there is no positive response within the one-week deadline, UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC) will be convened to determine the union’s next course of action.
“This morning, another statement has come out where we are categorically saying that if these issues persist in a matter of weeks, we are going to lay down our tools because we think that government has not been fair to us,” he added.