TUTAG declares indefinite strike over unpaid contracts, Scheme of Service dispute
The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has declared an indefinite strike effective today, October 1, 2026, citing the government’s failure to resolve two major labour concerns.
The decision was announced by TUTAG National President, Prof. Deodat E. Adenutsi, at a press conference held at the Ho Technical University.
According to Prof. Adenutsi, the strike follows a unanimous resolution adopted at the Association’s Congress on September 24, 2026, after months of unsuccessful engagements with relevant government agencies.
TUTAG said it first raised the concerns publicly on August 14, 2026, but efforts to secure a resolution have yielded no tangible results.
The Association’s first concern relates to unpaid post-retirement contracts.
TUTAG said some members employed under post-retirement contracts have gone unpaid for more than 27 months despite working under valid agreements.
The Association said it has engaged the Ministries of Education and Finance, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the National Labour Commission on the matter.
It said although the relevant authorities have acknowledged the outstanding obligations, no concrete payment arrangement has been provided.
Prof. Adenutsi noted that some affected members have died while awaiting their remuneration, describing the situation as highlighting the human cost of prolonged non-payment.
TUTAG is therefore demanding the immediate payment of all verified outstanding remuneration, as well as a written payment schedule, including payments due to deceased members through their lawful representatives.
The second concern involves what the Association describes as the unilateral variation of its Scheme of Service.
TUTAG accused government agencies of altering the agreed Scheme of Service issued on October 8, 2021, without consultation with the Association.
On librarians, the Association said differing interpretations of eligibility for academic librarian status have created uncertainty over conditions of service and remuneration.
It is demanding clarification of the classification discrepancies, as well as payment of the applicable market premium and arrears.
TUTAG also rejected a GTEC directive issued on July 31, 2025, requiring Assistant Lecturers and Assistant Research Fellows to complete their PhDs before being re-designated as Lecturers or Research Fellows.
The Association argued that the 2021 Scheme of Service requires PhD enrolment, alongside service, teaching performance and publication requirements, rather than completion of the programme.
Prof. Adenutsi directed all TUTAG members to withdraw their services indefinitely, including teaching, supervision of students’ research and submission of examination marks.
Members will, however, continue to perform other professional duties, including attending meetings, serving on boards and committees, conducting research and undertaking community service.
Prof. Adenutsi acknowledged the potential disruption to students, families and university communities but said the Association had a responsibility to protect the conditions necessary for its members to teach, conduct research and serve their institutions effectively.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
