GAUA Strike Disrupts University Operations and Healthcare as Education Minister Reschedules Crisis Meeting

13th August•3 min read•4 sources

The industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has intensified, leading to significant disruptions across Ghana's public universities and their affiliated services. At the University of Ghana, the University Hospital has been forced to suspend General Outpatient Department (OPD), specialist clinics, and pharmacy counseling services effective August 13, 2026. Simultaneously, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has announced the indefinite postponement of its matriculation ceremony for 2026 Sandwich students, which was originally slated for August 15. These developments highlight the deepening crisis as administrators demand a resolution to long-standing grievances regarding their conditions of service and allowance disparities between teaching and non-teaching staff.

Efforts to resolve the impasse are currently underway, with Vice-Chancellors Ghana (VCG) engaging GAUA leadership in virtual discussions to bridge the gap. Michael Owusu Ansah of GAUA noted that VCG has committed to advocating for the administrators' concerns with the central government. However, a high-level meeting between GAUA and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has been rescheduled to August 18, 2026. This delay was necessitated by the Minister’s official travel commitments alongside President John Mahama. GAUA remains firm, emphasizing that only concrete government commitments and signed agreements will lead to the suspension of their industrial action, which continues to impact crucial administrative functions.

Adding to the labor unrest in the higher education sector, the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) chapter of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has issued a separate ultimatum to the government. The association is demanding the immediate validation and payment of salaries for 15 post-retirement contract faculty members who have reportedly gone up to 12 months without pay. Dr. Bismark Quarku Parker, the Chapter Chairman, criticized the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education for inconsistencies in salary payments across public institutions. He warned that all academic services will be withdrawn by the end of the month if these arrears, some dating back to September 2025, are not cleared.

The convergence of these industrial actions poses a serious threat to the stability of the 2026 academic calendar and the delivery of essential services within university communities. While emergency departments at university hospitals remain operational for now, the suspension of administrative and outpatient services signals a worsening situation for both students and the general public. As stakeholders await the critical August 18 meeting with Minister Iddrisu, the government faces increasing pressure to standardize conditions of service across all public and technical universities to prevent a total shutdown of the higher education sector.

This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.

More from education

Continue exploring similar stories

education|21st August

Data Insight and JOB Group Ltd Report Finds Job Security and Career Development Outrank Salary for Ghanaian Employees

A comprehensive five-year study into the Ghanaian workforce has revealed a significant shift in employee priorities, with job security and the pursuit of a "dream job" now taking precedence over salary. The Employee Motivation Survey Report (EMSR), conducted by a consortium including Data Insight, JOB Group Ltd, HRP Consult Ltd, and Talentia Africa Ltd, indicates that non-financial factors have become the primary drivers of worker engagement in the country. This trend suggests that while financial compensation remains a baseline requirement, it is no longer the leading incentive for the modern Ghanaian professional. The survey identifies five core motivators that dominate the current workplace landscape: the pursuit of a dream job, job security, career development opportunities, a safe work environment, and the quality of the relationship between managers and employees. Notably, direct salary did not rank within the top five motivators among the 769 participants surveyed. This finding challenges traditional management assumptions that focus primarily on wage increases to boost productivity, highlighting instead a growing desire for professional growth and psychological safety within Ghanaian organizations. Analyzing data collected over a half-decade, the researchers found that workers expressed a general satisfaction level of 3.7 out of 5. While this indicates a relatively positive outlook, it also leaves significant room for improvement, particularly in how managers interact with their subordinates. The report emphasizes that positive manager-employee relationships and a structured path for career development are critical components of a healthy corporate culture. These elements are increasingly viewed as essential by employees who are looking for long-term stability and a sense of purpose in their daily tasks. As Ghana continues to navigate its economic path under the administration of President John Mahama, the implications for the private and public sectors are clear. Employers must move beyond purely financial incentives to attract and retain top talent. By focusing on creating stable environments and offering clear trajectories for professional advancement, organizations can better align their operations with the actual needs of the workforce. The EMSR serves as a call to action for human resource departments across the nation to re-evaluate their engagement strategies and prioritize the non-tangible benefits that truly drive employee dedication and performance.

23rd Ghana International Book Fair launched with call to place reading at heart of development

education|21st August

Ghana International Book Fair and Youth Outreach Programs Drive National Literacy and Development Agenda

The 23rd Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF) has been officially launched in Accra, setting the stage for a national dialogue on literacy as a catalyst for development. Scheduled to take place from August 27 to 30, 2026, at the National Theatre, the fair is themed "Transforming Ghana's Future Through Books." Speaking at the launch on August 20, Executive Director Yvonne Bossman emphasized that the nation's future depends on investing knowledge in its youth, positioning reading as a cornerstone of national progress. The event, organized by the GIBF Governing Board, aims to address challenges within the publishing sector while fostering a robust reading culture through initiatives like the Ghana Star Reader National Reading Competition. In a parallel effort to bridge the gap between classroom theory and community development, students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) recently spearheaded "Project Dignity" at the Weija Leprosarium. On August 19, 2026, the students donated essential food and sanitary supplies while engaging with residents to better understand their needs and aspirations. Under the guidance of lecturer Dr. Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng and group leader Fafa Peace Bankas, the students applied development communication strategies to challenge societal stereotypes. This initiative includes the production of a documentary designed to showcase the creativity and dignity of the leprosarium residents, illustrating the practical role of education in promoting social inclusion. Beyond literacy and higher education, regional authorities are intensifying efforts to protect and guide younger populations. In the Central Region, the Gender Director has urged parents and communities in Elmina and Nkanfoa to strengthen support systems for adolescents to shield them from abuse, neglect, and health risks. These engagements, part of the Ministry of Gender’s Essential Services Package, focus on establishing inclusive clubs where boys and girls can learn about their rights and the dangers of teenage pregnancy and STIs. Similarly, during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Calvary Methodist Men’s Fellowship in Adabraka, former Attorney-General Gloria Akuffo and Fellowship Chairman Prof. Victor Agyeman advocated for a "Catch them young" strategy to instill Christian values in young men, viewing such mentorship as a vital tool to combat societal corruption. Collectively, these initiatives underscore a multi-faceted approach to education and youth development in Ghana. By combining formal literacy drives, practical community outreach, and robust social protection frameworks, stakeholders are working to ensure that the next generation is both intellectually equipped and socially secure. As the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair approaches, the emphasis remains on a collaborative effort between the government, educational institutions, and religious organizations to create a sustainable environment for national growth and ethical leadership.

Prof Pikay Richardson urges UGC graduates to choose integrity over convenience

education|21st August

GES Director-General Links School Financial Governance to WASSCE Performance as Universities Push for Academic Innovation

Professor Smile Dzisi, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has issued a stern call for enhanced financial accountability in the Volta Region, linking poor resource management to declining academic outcomes. Speaking at a workshop for educational accountants and bursars, Prof. Dzisi revealed that the 2025 WASSCE results showed 18 schools in the region recorded zero progression rates. She emphasized that financial officers must act as custodians of public resources, ensuring that funds are strategically deployed to improve teaching and learning, particularly in Mathematics and Integrated Science. This push for accountability aligns with the Association of Educational Accountants (AEA) transitioning to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to strengthen internal controls within the sector. Simultaneously, tertiary institutions across Ghana are advocating for a paradigm shift toward innovation and practical application of knowledge. At the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Innovation Day, Vice Chancellor Professor John K. M. Mawutor encouraged students to translate classroom theories into real-world solutions, showcasing student-led ventures like SMART FIRM and the UNIVA360 accounting software. Similarly, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, urged the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED) to redesign postgraduate education. He proposed a move away from traditional thesis models toward hybrid, interdisciplinary research that addresses climate pressures and youth unemployment. Ethics and integrity have also taken center stage in recent educational discourse. During the University of Gold Coast graduation, Governing Council Chair Professor Pikay Richardson challenged graduates to prioritize character and curiosity over financial success or convenience. This focus on integrity comes amidst public scrutiny of political contributions to education; the New Ghana Social Justice Forum (NGSJF) recently challenged MP Hon. Baba Jamal’s promise of 25% tuition support for law students, labeling it insufficient and demanding 100% coverage to qualify as a true scholarship. Internationally, Ghent University suspended academic Nathan Cofnas following his plagiarism allegations against the late Cambridge professor Jason Arday, highlighting the rigorous standards governing academic conduct. Finally, the role of specialized education in national development was highlighted by Dr. Francis Kofi Korankye-Sakyi of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre. Addressing 123 graduates at the Institute of Paralegal Training and Leadership Studies, he advocated for ADR as a vital tool for accessible justice and peaceful coexistence. These collective developments across the educational landscape—from financial reforms in secondary schools to innovative research in universities—underscore a national drive toward creating a more accountable, resilient, and impact-oriented educational system for Ghana.

Graduates with disabilities appeal for separate recruitment clearance

education|21st August

GNAT Issues Strike Ultimatum as Graduates with Disabilities Demand Specialized Recruitment Clearance

Ghana's education and public sectors are facing mounting pressure as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and advocacy groups for persons with disabilities (PWDs) demand urgent government intervention. GNAT has issued a stern warning to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and relevant authorities, setting a September 7, 2026, deadline to resolve outstanding promotion placements and renew the Collective Agreement, which expired on July 31, 2026. National President Prosper Tachie highlighted that these delays have caused significant financial hardship and frustration among educators, warning that industrial action is imminent if their demands for career progression and negotiated benefits are not met. Simultaneously, approximately 400 qualified graduates with disabilities are appealing to the government for a dedicated recruitment clearance system to overcome long-standing barriers to employment in the public sector. Despite a national policy intended to reserve 5% of public-sector jobs for PWDs, Gilbert Boateng Mejari, convener of the Commission of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities, reported that none of the 200 candidates they submitted for recent GES recruitment were selected. Many of these graduates have remained unemployed for between 5 and 15 years, prompting calls for a system that provides fair opportunities to utilize their skills for national development rather than special treatment. These grievances align with broader calls from the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) for the government to move beyond policy formulation toward effective implementation. During a recent workshop in Akosombo supported by the European Union, stakeholders emphasized that true progress must be measured by the accessibility of services and the active participation of PWDs in national decision-making. The GFD recommended strengthening the technical capabilities of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and ensuring that PWDs are included in all stages of policy and budget consultations. The overlapping demands from teachers and disability advocates place a significant burden on the administration of President John Mahama to stabilize the education sector and fulfill statutory inclusion mandates. As the September 7 deadline approaches, the resolution of these labor and recruitment disputes will be a critical test of the government's commitment to both the welfare of its workforce and the fundamental rights of its most vulnerable citizens. Failure to address these concerns could lead to widespread disruptions in schools and further marginalization of qualified professionals based on their physical abilities.

Stay Informed

Explore

Categories

Features

Topics

Legal

GAUA Strike Disrupts University Operations and Healthcare as Education Minister Reschedules Crisis Meeting

More from education

Data Insight and JOB Group Ltd Report Finds Job Security and Career Development Outrank Salary for Ghanaian Employees

Ghana International Book Fair and Youth Outreach Programs Drive National Literacy and Development Agenda

GES Director-General Links School Financial Governance to WASSCE Performance as Universities Push for Academic Innovation

GNAT Issues Strike Ultimatum as Graduates with Disabilities Demand Specialized Recruitment Clearance