Gives Gov’t One-Week Ultimatum to Pay 2026 Book & Research Allowance
TNR Files
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given the government a one-week ultimatum to release the 2026 Book and Research Allowance or face possible industrial action.
The union says the allowance, which supports lecturers’ academic, teaching and research activities, remains unpaid despite being due.
UTAG is also expressing concern over the absence of a clear timeline from government on when the outstanding payments will be released.
The latest threat comes after the union suspended a planned strike in June following assurances from the Ministries of Education and Finance that steps would be taken to address its concerns.
Speaking to Citi News, President of the University of Ghana chapter of UTAG, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, said the union suspended the strike in good faith but believes government has failed to reciprocate.
“Of course, in good faith, we suspended our strike. But unfortunately, that good faith has not been reciprocated by government,” he said.
Dr Harrison said the latest ultimatum was intended to give government a final opportunity to resolve the matter before UTAG considers renewed industrial action.
He explained that should government fail to respond positively within the one-week period, the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) would be convened to determine the next course of action.
“This morning, another statement has come out where we are categorically saying that if these issues persist in a matter of weeks, we are going to lay down our tools because we think that government has not been fair to us,” he added.
UTAG’s position puts renewed pressure on government to settle the allowance and avert a potential disruption to academic activities at public universities.