The University of Ghana's 2026/2027 academic year is in jeopardy as an ongoing strike by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) continues to cripple essential university operations. The strike, which began on August 10, has entered a critical phase, with the university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Awandare, warning that the academic calendar could collapse entirely if the dispute is not resolved within days.
The university has already suspended online registration for the first semester, citing the industrial action as the cause of the breakdown. Management attributed the registration breakdown directly to the strike, describing it as the cause of "the current challenges with online registration for the first semester of the 2026-2027 academic year." Level 100 students were scheduled to report between October 12 and 13, with continuing students expected on campus from October 15 to 18.
Professor Awandare acknowledged that management's ability to keep the university running was severely constrained due to the strike. He stated that many of the university's systems are not working because they are managed by members of GAUA who are on strike. The university can only do so much in terms of what it can make available in the absence of GAUA members.
GAUA's grievances remain unresolved, with the association having made no meaningful progress in talks with the government. National General Secretary Charles Jojo Aidoo stated that the association had about six or seven grievances, and none of them has been addressed. The majority of the grievances are not even monetary, and Aidoo stressed that GAUA members are skilled professionals, including medical doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, auditors, and procurement specialists.
The association indicated it remains willing to return to the negotiating table and could suspend the strike if credible progress is made on its outstanding demands. GAUA first declared the strike on August 10 before suspending the action after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu assured members their concerns would be addressed. However, the strike resumed after negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission stalled.
The disruption at the University of Ghana is unfolding alongside a separate teachers' strike affecting basic and secondary schools across the country, compounding anxiety among parents already concerned about the state of education in Ghana. Professor Awandare appealed directly to the government to intervene as a matter of urgency, saying that the government should try to resolve the issue as soon as possible so that the academic calendar is not disrupted so badly.
The strike has significant implications for the university and its students, with a prolonged strike likely to have long-term effects on the academic calendar and the overall quality of education. The university's management and the government must work together to resolve the issue and prevent further disruptions to the academic year.
Key points
- University of Ghana's academic calendar faces severe disruption due to an ongoing strike by the Ghana Association of University Administrators.
- The strike has resulted in the suspension of online registration for the first semester, affecting Level 100 and continuing students.
- GAUA's grievances remain unresolved, with the association seeking a conditions of service agreement and addressing concerns over approved allowances.
