Teacher unions threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance

Three key unions in tertiary education — the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) — have jointly threatened a nationwide strike if government fails to pay their book and research allowances by June 13, 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 9, the three unions expressed frustration over what they described as the “undue delay” in releasing the exchange rate required to compute their book and research allowances.

They warned that the delay has created “significant uncertainty and frustration” among members, as many depend on the funds to support academic work and research activities.

Following a joint meeting on June 8, the unions resolved that while they are prepared to accommodate the late release of the exchange rate, they will not accept any extension of payment beyond September 2025.

They stressed that the allowance is a statutory obligation under their Conditions of Service, not a discretionary gesture.

The unions warned that failure by the government to honour the June 13 deadline will be treated as an official strike notice, triggering industrial action across all affected campuses.

They also urged the government to act swiftly to avert a nationwide disruption of the academic calendar and to protect the welfare of lecturers and the broader education sector