UTAG Prepares for Strike as Negotiation Stalemate Persists.

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) continues to hold firm on its planned nationwide strike, alleging a lack of progress in negotiations with the government concerning their conditions of service.

According to UTAG's General Secretary, Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, the core sticking point remains the discussion around base pay, particularly regarding market premiums. He emphasized that UTAG members are prepared to reconsider their strike decision only if the government demonstrates serious commitment to addressing this critical issue.

"We need that collective permission for membership to say we are behind you, so go ahead," Dr. Mumuni stated during a press conference in Accra. "And within this period, we are working on that and prompting the NLC that this is how far we think we can come with the government when it has to do with our conditions of service."

He further explained that UTAG is currently engaging with its members across all 15 campuses to finalize the decision on the strike date. Additionally, they are keeping the National Labour Commission (NLC) informed of their progress.

"So within the period, if they are not able to reach us, and we have gone through the formality of engaging all the membership of all the 15 campuses, as well as prompting the Labour Commission, then we are good to go," Dr. Mumuni concluded.

This development follows a recent incident where both UTAG and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) walked out of a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). The associations cited the FWSC's perceived lack of seriousness and respect towards their concerns, specifically regarding crucial aspects of their conditions of service.

The potential UTAG strike raises concerns about a disruption to academic activities in Ghanaian universities. Students, parents, and other stakeholders await a resolution to the ongoing impasse between UTAG and the government to ensure uninterrupted academic progress.

Both parties must prioritize genuine engagement and reach a mutually agreeable solution that upholds the quality of education and protects the welfare of university teachers in Ghana.