Vice Chancellors Ghana (VCG) has appealed to the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) to suspend its ongoing industrial action and return to work while negotiations continue to resolve outstanding concerns over remuneration and conditions of service. The appeal was made in a statement issued on Friday, October 9. VCG acknowledged the important role administrators and professional staff play in the effective running of Ghana’s public universities.
The association expressed concern that the industrial action could reverse progress made by universities in restoring and stabilising academic schedules following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The prolonged strike is significantly affecting university operations and threatening the stability of the academic calendar. VCG disclosed that it had engaged the Minister for Education and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to help address the impasse.
According to the association, the FWSC has assured it of its commitment to working towards resolving the outstanding issues. VCG urged all parties to remain committed to constructive dialogue and work with urgency towards a fair and sustainable resolution of the dispute. The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to protect the welfare of university staff while safeguarding the effective functioning of public universities.
The appeal comes as GAUA’s industrial action continues to disrupt administrative activities at public universities. The association has said its concerns remain unresolved despite engagements with government and the FWSC. The ongoing dispute has heightened concerns about disruptions to university administration and the academic calendar, with calls growing for a negotiated settlement to restore normal operations.
GAUA’s concerns are related to remuneration and conditions of service, which have been outstanding since 2008. The association has warned against the use of court processes to halt university strikes. VCG demands a review of the retirement age for university lecturers from 60 to 70 years. The association has suspended its nationwide strike in the past, and other unions, such as TEWU, have also suspended their strikes.
The Education Ministry has met with Vice-Chancellors Ghana over the UTAG strike, and a meeting with the Education Minister has been scheduled for August 18. The UTAG-UG has threatened to go on strike on October 19 over an unpaid allowance. The Ghana Association of University Administrators has been engaged in discussions with the government and the FWSC to resolve the outstanding issues.
The Vice Chancellors Ghana has expressed confidence that an acceptable resolution can be reached through good faith, mutual respect, and constructive engagement. The association is committed to finding a solution that will benefit university staff, students, and the entire higher education system. The industrial action has caused significant disruptions, and a resolution is being sought to restore normal operations.
Key points
- Vice Chancellors Ghana appeals to Ghana Association of University Administrators to suspend industrial action and return to work.
- The industrial action has caused significant disruptions to university operations and threatens the stability of the academic calendar.
- The association is committed to finding a solution that will benefit university staff, students, and the entire higher education system.
