The University Teachers Association of Ghana has warned it will embark on a nationwide strike from Monday, June 15, if the Ministry of Finance fails to release the dollar exchange rate required for the payment of book and research allowances to lecturers in public universities.
According to UTAG, the delay has sparked growing frustration among its members, who have authorised the national leadership to take industrial action if the matter is not resolved by the end of the week.
UTAG General Secretary, Samuel Seglah, criticised the Finance Ministry for failing to publish the prevailing exchange rate used to calculate the allowances for senior members of public universities.
He noted that the rate is typically released by March each year to enable institutions to process and pay the allowances in good time.
Beyond the allowance issue, UTAG also expressed concern over stalled negotiations on conditions of service. Dr Seglah indicated that talks have slowed pending the operationalisation of the Independent Emoluments Commission, while interim arrangements being discussed with the Salaries Commission remain unsigned.
The association has given the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, until Friday to address its concerns, warning that failure to do so will compel lecturers to withdraw their services.