UTAG-UG threatens strike over unpaid 2026 Book and Research Allowance

The University Teachers Association of Ghana at the University of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has issued a formal notice to the government, threatening a total withdrawal of teaching and related services starting Monday, October 19, 2026. The association is demanding the immediate payment of the outstanding 2026 Book and Research Allowance, which it claims is long overdue. The lecturers have set a final deadline of Friday, October 16, 2026, for the government to settle the arrears or face a complete shutdown of academic activities at the nation's premier university. According to the strike notice, which was signed by UTAG-UG President Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison and Secretary Godfred Bright Hagan, the decision to proceed with industrial action is rooted in the government's failure to adhere to a 2020 Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This agreement mandates the timely disbursement of research allowances to faculty members to support their academic and professional development. The union expressed deep frustration over persistent delays, characterizing the current situation as a direct violation of the standing agreement between the university teachers and the state. The notice of intent has been officially served to the National Labour Commission (NLC) and distributed to all relevant government stakeholders. UTAG-UG emphasized that the withdrawal of services will include not only teaching but all related academic duties. This development poses a significant threat to the university’s academic calendar, potentially disrupting lectures, examinations, and research supervision. As the October 16 deadline approaches, the focus shifts to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to see if a last-minute intervention will prevent the industrial action. Previous disputes over the Book and Research Allowance have led to protracted strikes that affected thousands of students. The current administration under President John Mahama faces this challenge in industrial relations as the association maintains that its members cannot continue to provide services without the resources promised under their conditions of service.