Technical University Administrators say unresolved allowance dispute forced indefinite strike

The Technical University Senior Administrators’ Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) says its decision to resume an indefinite strike was triggered by prolonged government delays in addressing outstanding financial commitments owed its members.

The Association’s National President, Stanley Akamiri Abopaam, said senior administrators across technical universities have been left with no option after several engagements with government failed to produce concrete action on their demands.

Speaking on A1 Radio monitored by BolgaFM, Mr Abopaam said the strike was not a sudden decision but the result of nearly two years of unsuccessful negotiations over a one-time research allowance and other conditions of service concerns.

He explained that in 2023, TUSAAG and its counterpart in traditional universities, the Ghana Association of University Administrators, began discussions with government for administrators to be considered for research allowance.

According to him, administrators argued that their research contributions were critical to the effective running of universities, particularly in developing policies, proposals and administrative frameworks that support teaching and learning.

“Unlike our colleagues in the lecture halls whose contribution to knowledge is for the academic world, administrators’ research becomes the lubrication that facilitates smooth administrative work within the universities,” he said.

Mr Abopaam said although government initially disagreed with their proposal, discussions later led to an agreement for a one-time research allowance to compensate administrators who had undertaken peer-reviewed publications in anticipation of using them for promotion.

However, he said despite repeated assurances, the payment process stalled for months.

He noted that after the change in government in 2025, the Association allowed time for the new administration to settle in but later re-engaged the Education Ministry when no progress was made.

According to him, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and other stakeholders eventually began processes to verify claims from universities.

“Universities submitted audited claims by the end of May, but as we speak in July, there has been no communication,” he said.

The TUSAAG President said the Association’s patience was interpreted as weakness, forcing members to return to industrial action.

He also raised concerns over government’s decision to delay implementation of a negotiated 40% increase in selected allowances from April to July without consultation.

“We signed an agreement for implementation from April 1, but the Ministry of Finance issued a directive for July implementation without engaging us,” he said.

Mr Abopaam maintained that the strike would continue until government demonstrates commitment through concrete action.

Source: bolgafmonline.com|102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga