UTAG awaits response from government

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) said on Tuesday calling off its strike would depend on the response members would get from the government.

Dr Langbong Bimi, UTAG President, said the government had so far shown commitment by addressing the issue of their premium arrears, but the anomalies in their book and research allowances had to be equally resolved.

Dr Bimi, who spoke to the GNA in an interview, said Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo Lartey, the National Security Coordinator, met UTAG and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on Monday at the instance of President John Dramani Mahama during which UTAG outlined the grievances to be conveyed to him (the President).

He said the president’s appeal for them to go back to the classroom while negotiations continued was conveyed by the National Security Coordinator, but UTAG is yet to meet its constituents before taking a decision.

Dr Bimi said the anomaly in their book and research allowances had to be addressed immediately and all outstanding arrears cleared adding that: “Not until this is done, we are not going back to the classroom.” He said members were likely to meet again either before the end of the week or early next with the National Security Coordinator for further deliberations.