UTAG gives Gov’t final warning over book, research allowances

• Posted on August 8, 2018
• by Ellsamwise King
• Comment

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given the government one last chance to pay the book and research allowances due its members.

After an emergency meeting on Tuesday, UTAG members were in favour of downing their tools over the failure of government to meet their demands, but the Association has given the government until Friday, August 10.

UTAG earlier threatened to strike if the government failed to pay them their 2017/2018 book and research allowances.

The ultimatum they gave elapsed on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

“We have received assurances from government through the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education of Finance and the Ministry of Education that payment would be made by Friday, 10th August” a statement signed by UTAG President, Dr. Eric Opoku Mensah stated.

If this promise is not honoured, the lecturers say they will strike.

“The leadership of UTAG wants to take Government by its word but if Government reneges on its promise, then we would not be available in the lecture rooms by re-opening of Public Universities for the 2018/2019 Academic Year.”

In the meantime, UTAG has urged restraint from its members.

“We are by this release urging all UTAG members to remain calm while leadership monitors the situation,” the statement concluded.

The book and research allowances are provided by the government to public universities for the purpose of the funding researches in academia for national development.

The National Labour Commission (NLC) had directed the ministries of Finance and Employment and Labour Relations to furnish it with measures put in place to prevent the strike.

The NLC also appealed to UTAG not to embark on a strike, as the commission made efforts to address the issue.

“If there is any intent to go on strike, I plead that they rescind it. However, the ministry involved must take practical steps to resolve the problem. This is a recurring problem….If there are arrears to be paid, certainly, people must be paid,” The Executive Secretary of the NLC, Ofosu Asamoah said at the time.

Source: CNR