Three major teachers’ unions in Ghana have threaten to embark on a strike.
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 issued a strong warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike if delays in the payment of the 2025 book and research allowance are not addressed immediately.
In a joint press release dated Monday, June 9, the unions expressed deep frustration over what they described as an “undue delay” in the release of the official foreign exchange rate, which is crucial for calculating and disbursing the annual book and research allowance for lecturers.
According to UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG, the government’s failure to provide clarity on the exchange rate is undermining academic work across tertiary institutions.
The unions emphasised that the allowance is vital for supporting faculty research, professional development, and the purchase of academic resources such as books and journals.
Following a joint emergency meeting held on June 8, the unions demanded that the government urgently release the applicable exchange rate and begin payment of the allowance. They have firmly stated that any further delay, especially beyond September 2025, will not be tolerated.
“We stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” the joint statement said.
The unions also issued a clear ultimatum: if the government fails to commence the payment process by June 13, 2025, it will be treated as an official strike notice across all public universities and colleges of education in Ghana.
This move could significantly disrupt the 2025 academic calendar, impacting students, research activities, and institutional operations nationwide.
The book and research allowance, which is typically paid in foreign currency, plays a critical role in helping lecturers acquire academic materials. Prolonged delays, especially during times of currency instability, diminish the value of the allowance and create financial uncertainty for educators.
The unions are urging the government to act swiftly to protect the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system and to safeguard the welfare of teachers and researchers.
