The National Congress of Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has cautiously suspended its ongoing industrial strike action, effective immediately. This decision follows constructive engagements between TUTAG, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities, Ghana (VCTU-G). The talks, held on Wednesday, aimed to address TUTAG's concerns and negotiate a resolution.
Professor Deodat E. Adenutsi, National President of TUTAG, emphasized that the suspension of the strike does not imply its termination or call-off. He made this distinction clear to members, students, university management, government, and the general public. The decision demonstrates TUTAG's trust and respect for VCTU-G and its commitment to restoring uninterrupted academic activities across the 10 technical universities.
The agreements reached during the negotiations include the payment of outstanding remuneration to post-retirement contract staff. GTEC has agreed to facilitate a meeting with the Minister of Finance and VCTU-G to resolve this issue by November 14. Additionally, the implementation of the amended scheme of service has been agreed upon, with GTEC granting a concession to exempt affected categories.
Another key agreement is the classification of University Librarians as Academic Staff. The parties have agreed to submit a technical paper for consideration and implementation to address outstanding classification concerns. All parties have reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and collaboration in the interest of industrial harmony and uninterrupted teaching and learning.
With the strike suspended, academic life is expected to resume fully across all technical university campuses on November 2. Students are expected to report to their respective universities for lectures and other scheduled academic activities on this date. TUTAG has assured students, parents, and guardians that academic activities will continue without disruption.
TUTAG has also appealed to its members to remain united, disciplined, and committed to the collective interests of all members. The association believes that dialogue, mutual respect, institutional responsibility, and good faith offer the most sustainable pathway to industrial harmony. Prof. Adenutsi reiterated that the strike's suspension does not mean the end of TUTAG's vigilance in pursuing a lasting solution to its concerns.
The association has entreatied management of the various technical universities to put in place administrative measures to ensure that no student is disadvantaged or discriminated against due to the industrial action. Special attention should be given to newly admitted students who could not report to their campuses at the originally scheduled time due to the strike.
Key points
- TUTAG suspends industrial strike action after agreements with GTEC and VCTU-G.
- Academic activities to resume fully on November 2 across all technical university campuses.
- TUTAG's legitimate grievances remain outstanding until satisfactorily resolved.
