Omanghana
The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has warned that its members will withdraw teaching and related services from Monday, October 19, 2026, unless the government settles their outstanding Book and Research Allowance.
In a notice dated October 9 and addressed to the National Labor Commission, the association gave the government until Friday, October 16, to make the payments.
UTAG-UG said the delay breached a Memorandum of Agreement signed with the government in 2020, which requires the allowance to be paid by the end of August each year. The allowance supports lecturers’ academic and research activities.
The notice was signed by the branch President, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, and Secretary, Godfred Bright Hagan. Copies were sent to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the ministries responsible for Education, Finance, and Employment and Labor Relations, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and UTAG’s national leadership.
The threatened action follows earlier warnings over the delayed payment and could further disrupt academic activities if the dispute remains unresolved.
The development comes as the University of Ghana faces operational difficulties amid the ongoing strike by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).
Management has postponed the reopening of the 2026/2027 academic year, originally scheduled for Monday, October 12. A revised date is expected to be announced later.
Although the reopening notice did not specify the reason for the postponement, management had previously acknowledged that the administrators’ strike was affecting essential services and could disrupt the academic calendar.
The notice, signed by Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon A. Awandare, appealed to students for patience. Management also advised students to continue online academic registration in accordance with its earlier instructions.
With the reopening date unsettled, the proposed withdrawal of lecturers’ services presents another potential obstacle to the start of the academic year. The action remains conditional on whether the government meets UTAG-UG’s October 16 payment deadline.
Source: Omanghana
