The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding payment of its members' outstanding 2026 Book and Research Allowance by October 16. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the withdrawal of teaching and related services from October 19. This decision was made due to persistent delays in the payment of the allowance, which supports lecturers' academic and research work.
According to UTAG-UG, the delay in payment violates a Memorandum of Agreement signed between UTAG and the government in 2020. The agreement stipulates that the allowance should be paid by the end of August each year. The association has expressed frustration over the repeated delays and has now taken a firm stance on the matter. A notice of intention to embark on industrial action, dated October 9, 2026, was addressed to the National Labour Commission.
The notice, signed by UTAG-UG President Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison and Secretary Godfred Bright Hagan, was also sent to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the ministers responsible for Employment and Labour Relations, Finance and Education, the Director of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and the national president of UTAG. The letter highlights the association's resolve to take action if its demands are not met.
This is not the first time UTAG-UG has raised concerns over delays in the payment of the allowance. The University of Ghana branch has previously expressed frustration over the matter. If the planned action goes ahead, teaching and other related academic activities at the University of Ghana could be disrupted, affecting students and the academic calendar.
The 2026 Book and Research Allowance is crucial for supporting lecturers' academic and research work. The association's decision to take industrial action reflects its commitment to ensuring that its members receive the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively. UTAG-UG has emphasized that it will no longer accept verbal assurances and expects a detailed roadmap for the payment of the allowance.
The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the concerns of UTAG-UG. The association's ultimatum has sparked anxiety among students, lecturers, and the general public, who are keenly watching the developments. The situation remains tense, with the clock ticking down to the October 16 deadline.
The potential strike action by UTAG-UG has significant implications for the University of Ghana and the broader education sector. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the impasse, which would prevent disruptions to academic activities and ensure the smooth operation of the university.
Key points
- UTAG-UG has given the government until October 16 to pay its members' outstanding 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
- The association will withdraw teaching and related services from October 19 if the payment is not made.
- The delay in payment violates a Memorandum of Agreement signed between UTAG and the government in 2020.
