The National Secretary of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Dr. Samuel Kingsford Seglah, has reaffirmed the Association’s decision to embark on industrial action if government fails to sign an agreement relating to lecturers’ Conditions of Service by June 30, 2026.
According to him, lecturers across Ghana’s 15 public universities will withdraw their services if government fails to honour its commitments regarding the implementation of agreed conditions.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers, Dr. Seglah said although UTAG and government have held several engagements and reached agreements on issues including conditions of service and interim adjustments, government is yet to sign its portion of the agreement to pave the way for implementation.
He described the June 30 deadline as the Association’s final notice to government.
“UTAG is expected to go on strike by June 30 if government fails to sign the agreement we’ve had with them. We have given enough notice, and this is the last notice we are giving. If by June 30 government fails to honour its part of the agreement, then expect all university lecturers at the 15 public universities to lay down their tools,” he said.
He also appealed to students and parents to appreciate the concerns of lecturers, stressing that university teachers face financial pressures and family responsibilities like every other worker.
He argued that unresolved welfare concerns could negatively affect lecturers’ morale and, ultimately, the quality of teaching and learning.
“We are also parents; we have children in school, and we pay school fees. Students and their parents should also consider our plight as lecturers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some students of the University of Ghana have urged both UTAG and government to return to the negotiating table and resolve the impasse before it escalates into a nationwide strike.
The students expressed concern about the potential disruption to academic calendars, noting that industrial actions often have significant consequences for students.
“Government and stakeholders should engage with UTAG immediately. It is better to address the concerns now than to wait until a strike begins,” one student said.
Another student noted that students are often the biggest victims of strike actions and called for a swift resolution to the dispute.
“Students often become the biggest victims whenever there is a strike. We pay fees and expect to complete our studies on time, so I hope both parties can resolve their issues before any industrial action begins.”
A third student also urged both parties to prioritise dialogue.
“I understand that lecturers need better working conditions, but students should not suffer in the process. I believe dialogue is the best way to settle the matter,” the student added.
UTAG’s latest warning comes amid growing concerns over delays in implementing agreed Conditions of Service and other outstanding commitments between the Association and government. With the June 30 deadline approaching, stakeholders are expected to intensify efforts to avert a nationwide disruption of academic activities in public universities.
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Story by Oliver Arthur Acorlor | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
