The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has suspended its intended nationwide industrial action that was scheduled to commence on Monday, July 6, 2026, following what the Association describes as significant progress in negotiations with government over conditions of service and outstanding welfare concerns.
In a statement issued by the National Secretariat on July 4, 2026, UTAG leadership expressed appreciation to members for their overwhelming support during the recent referendum on industrial action, noting that the strong endorsement had strengthened the Association’s bargaining power in negotiations with government.
According to the statement signed by National President, Prof. Vera O. Fiador, and National Secretary, Samuel Kingsford Seglah, the referendum conducted across all UTAG branches returned an overwhelming mandate in favour of strike action.
The Association stressed that although the strike has been suspended for now, the mandate remains fully valid and could be activated should government fail to fulfil its commitments within the agreed timelines.
UTAG disclosed that after its earlier notice of intended industrial action, government initiated a series of high-level engagements with the Association aimed at resolving outstanding concerns relating to conditions of service and other welfare matters affecting university teachers across the country.
The Association revealed that one of the major outcomes of the discussions was the formal signing of the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement on July 2, 2026. UTAG said implementation of the agreement took effect from July 1, 2026, describing the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing negotiations.
The statement further indicated that during a meeting with the Minister for Finance on July 3, government provided firm assurances regarding the resolution of several pending issues affecting members.
These include the payment of promotion arrears, implementation of other conditions of service obligations, placement concerns affecting some staff of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), outstanding OTSA obligations for the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), concerns involving research fellows and librarians, as well as post-retirement and rollover challenges.
UTAG added that government had informed the Association that implementation letters and official directives required to facilitate the execution of the agreements were currently being finalised and are expected to be issued within the coming week.
Following what it described as careful assessment of the progress made so far, the National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved that the intended strike action would not commence on the previously announced date.
However, the Association cautioned members and the public against interpreting the decision as a retreat from its demands.
According to UTAG, the decision reflects the NEC’s commitment to acting responsibly and in good faith by granting government the opportunity to honour its commitments through concrete action.
The Association emphasized that the progress achieved so far was largely due to the credible strike mandate overwhelmingly endorsed by members nationwide and assured that leadership remains determined to ensure that every outstanding issue is fully addressed.
UTAG has therefore called on its members to remain calm, united, vigilant, and continue carrying out their official duties while leadership monitors government’s implementation process.
The Association also warned that it would not hesitate to activate the industrial action mandate should government fail to fulfil its promises within the agreed period.
“Should implementation not proceed as assured, NEC will communicate, without further delay, a new date for the commencement of industrial action,” portions of the statement said.
UTAG further commended members for their patience, discipline, solidarity, and trust in leadership throughout the process, insisting that the unity demonstrated by members remains the Association’s greatest strength in advancing the welfare and dignity of university teachers in Ghana.
By 1960news.com
