The Technical University Teachers' Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to obtain financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance for staff serving under post-retirement contracts. Failure to do so may result in the resumption of industrial action. This decision was made during a meeting between TUTAG, GTEC, and the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU G) on October 28, 2026.
TUTAG's General Secretary, Dr. Francis Nustugah, stated that the association is willing to suspend its ongoing strike to allow relevant institutions to address the outstanding payment concerns within the agreed period. However, he emphasized that the industrial action remains in force until the association's congress formally approves its suspension at a meeting scheduled for October 29, 2026.
According to Dr. Nustugah, although the Finance Minister did not attend the meeting, assurances were given that arrangements would be made for a direct engagement with him to discuss the matter, obtain Cabinet approval, and secure the necessary financial clearance within two weeks. The association considers this clearance essential to resolving payment difficulties affecting personnel who have continued working at technical universities after reaching retirement age under approved post-retirement arrangements.
Dr. Nustugah warned that if the required authorization is not obtained within the stipulated period, TUTAG may resume its industrial action. The association will first seek clarification on the reasons for any delay and identify administrative or procedural obstacles preventing the payments from being processed before deciding on its next steps.
TUTAG's proposed arrangement is being understood as a possible suspension rather than a permanent termination of the strike. The association expects relevant authorities to use the two-week period to resolve outstanding concerns and facilitate payment to affected staff. The outcome depends on whether GTEC and other responsible institutions can secure the necessary financial authorization within the agreed timeframe.
If the process stalls, TUTAG has indicated that renewed industrial action remains an option, potentially prolonging disruption within Ghana's technical university sector. The association's concerns relate to personnel who have continued working under post-retirement contracts without receiving payment. TUTAG is seeking a resolution to this issue to avoid further disruptions to academic activities.
The two-week deadline set by TUTAG is a critical period for GTEC and other institutions to secure the necessary financial clearance. The outcome will determine whether industrial action resumes or if a resolution can be reached, allowing technical universities to continue operating smoothly.
Key points
- TUTAG gives GTEC two weeks to secure finance clearance for post-retirement contract payments.
- Failure to obtain clearance may result in resumption of industrial action.
- The association seeks resolution to payment difficulties affecting personnel working under post-retirement arrangements.
