UTAG-UG threatens strike on October 19 over unpaid allowance
The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has threatened to suspend teaching and related services from Monday, October 19, 2026, if the government fails to pay its members’ outstanding 2026 Book and Research Allowance.
In a notice of intention to embark on industrial action dated October 9, 2026, the association attributed the planned strike to continued delays in the payment of the allowance.
The notice, addressed to the National Labour Commission, stated that the delay violates a 2020 Memorandum of Agreement between UTAG and the government, which requires the allowance to be paid by the end of August each year.
UTAG-UG has given the government until Friday, October 16, 2026, to clear the outstanding payments.
“Given the current circumstances, if by Friday 16th October 2026 these monies are not paid, members of UTAG-UG will withdraw all teaching and related services beginning Monday 19th of October 2026,” the notice stated.
The letter was signed by the association’s president, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, and its secretary, Godfred Bright Hagan.
Copies were also sent to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the ministers responsible for Employment and Labour Relations, Finance and Education, the Director of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and UTAG’s national president.
The latest threat follows previous warnings from the University of Ghana branch over delays in paying the allowance, which is intended to support lecturers’ academic and research work.
If the government fails to settle the outstanding amount before the deadline, the planned withdrawal of services could disrupt teaching and other academic activities at the University of Ghana.
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