Teachers threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
Three teacher unions have threatened to go on strike over a delayed payment of book and research allowance.
Three teacher unions have threatened to go on strike over a delayed payment of book and research allowance.
According to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) the government has failed to release the foreign exchange rate based on which the book and research allowances are to based on and paid.
In a joint press statement dated Monday, June 9, the unions expressed frustration over what they described as an “undue delay” undermining their academic work and said they will declare a strike if the government fails to release the exchange rate and pay the allowance.
They argued that the lack of clarity around the exchange rate for this year’s allowance, which supports lecturers’ research and professional development, had caused significant uncertainty and hardship for their members.
According to them, following a joint meeting on June 8, the unions resolved that the government must urgently release the exchange rate and commence payments. They further warned that they would not accept any extension of payments beyond September 2025.
“We stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” the unions said.
The statement added: “We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by 13 June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses.”
The unions urged the government to act swiftly to avoid disrupting the academic calendar and to safeguard the welfare of teachers and the wider academic community.
The book and research allowance, typically paid in foreign currency, helps lecturers fund the purchase of books, journals, and other research materials. Delays in setting the applicable exchange rate — particularly during periods of currency volatility — can significantly reduce the allowance’s value.
Read the full statement below:
