Government yet to pay book and research allowances – UTAG

Public University lecturers in Ghana are yet to receive their Book and Research Allowances, despite announcement by government that it released GHc55 million to pay them.

Minister for Education, Mathew Opoku Prempeh over the weekend disclosed the release of the money to pay state-owned university lecturers as their book and research allowances.

Speaking at the maiden congregation of the Takoradi Technical University on the theme: “Consolidating Industrial Growth in Ghana: The role of Technical Universities,” Mr. Prempeh said in addition to the book and research allowance, government would also establish a Research Fund to facilitate further research and innovation.

He added that there was a comprehensive programme to sponsor both lecturers and administrators to acquire higher degrees in order to impart the needed skills and knowledge in moving the country forward.

But Commenting on the Minister’s announcement in an interview with Starr News, the president of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Dr. Harry Agbanu said the money is yet to be paid.

He said: “We have heard that government earmarked GHc55 million for the payment of the book and research allowances. But our understanding is that government is waiting for the budget statement to be read to parliament and [its approval] before they can pay the book and research allowances.

It is not like the money has been paid but what we have is that such an amount has been earmarked for the payment of the book and research allowances. We are waiting to receive those allowances.”