Here’s why UTAG has threatened to embark on nationwide strike

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned that lecturers across the country's public universities could withdraw their services from Monday, June 15, 2026, if government fails to release the dollar exchange rate needed for the payment of book and research allowances.

This follows frustration among members of UTAG over the delay of the government to meet their demands.

In a report by citinewsroom.com on June 10, 2026, the association stated that they will be compelled to embark on the industrial action should the issue remain unresolved by the end of this week.

Speaking on the matter, UTAG General Secretary, Samuel Seglah, expressed concern over what he described as the Ministry of Finance's failure to release the prevailing dollar rate used in calculating the allowances for senior members of public universities.

“The University Teachers Association of Ghana is not happy… as we speak today, the dollar rates for the processing of our book and research allowance for senior members of public universities have not been released by the Finance Ministry," he stated.

According to him, the rates are traditionally released in March each year to allow universities sufficient time to process payments.

He also noted that, UTAG is also unhappy with the slow pace of negotiations on improved conditions of service for lecturers.

Seglah further explained that discussions have been delayed due to the pending operationalisation of the Independent Emoluments Commission, while interim arrangements being pursued with the Salaries Commission have also not been finalised.

“Our members are not happy about this development," he stressed.

UTAG has therefore given the Ministry of Finance until Friday June 12, 2026, to address the matter or face industrial action.

"We are giving the government, specifically the Finance Ministry, up to Friday. If the rate is not released, then on Monday, the national leadership will convene, and we will make a decision. Our members have given us the mandate to take the appropriate actions, and so we'll lay down our tools," Seglah warned.

According to him if no action is taken before the deadline, academic activities across public universities could be disrupted as lecturers prepare to embark on a nationwide strike over what they describe as persistent delays in addressing their welfare concerns.

ANAS/VPO

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