The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has expressed frustration over the lack of attention to their outstanding grievances, as their strike continues to disrupt administrative services at public universities. According to National General Secretary of GAUA, Charles Jojo Aidoo, the association has been negotiating with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) for about two months, but no significant progress has been made. The strike, declared in August, has disrupted administrative services at universities, including the University of Ghana and the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
The association is pushing for action to address what it describes as disparities in allowances and other conditions of service for university administrators. GAUA has about six or seven grievances, none of which has been addressed so far. Mr Aidoo stated that the frustrations of members are compounded by concerns over their conditions of service, which have not been reviewed since 2008. The association represents professionals working in various capacities within universities, including medical doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, auditors, human resource professionals, and procurement specialists.
The strike has caused significant disruptions to students, particularly at the University of Ghana, where students have encountered difficulties with course registration, accommodation arrangements, and access to the university's online portal. First-semester registration for the 2026/2027 academic year has also been put on hold due to the ongoing industrial action. Mr Aidoo emphasized that GAUA members are frustrated and feel that their concerns have not received the required attention.
Mr Aidoo stated that the association has raised the issue of conditions of service repeatedly over the years but believes its concerns have not been adequately addressed. He expressed hope that by the end of the month, progress will be made in the negotiations. GAUA remains committed to negotiations and hopes that the outstanding issues can be resolved to pave the way for an end to the strike.
The strike has affected various aspects of university life, with students and faculty members facing difficulties in accessing essential services. The association's concerns are centered on addressing disparities in allowances and conditions of service, which they believe are essential for the effective functioning of university administrators. Mr Aidoo emphasized that GAUA is committed to finding a resolution to the impasse.
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that GAUA may have breached procedure for industrial action. However, Mr Aidoo maintained that GAUA has followed due process and is committed to negotiations. The association is hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon to bring an end to the strike.
As the strike continues, students and faculty members are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the impasse. GAUA's commitment to negotiations offers hope that a solution will be found soon. The association's concerns over conditions of service and allowances are critical to the effective functioning of university administrators, and a resolution is essential to restoring normalcy to university life.
Key points
- GAUA members are frustrated over stalled negotiations with government.
- The strike has disrupted administrative services at public universities.
- GAUA is pushing for action to address disparities in allowances and conditions of service for university administrators.
