The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given the government until June 30 to resolve a number of outstanding welfare and conditions-of-service issues affecting lecturers in public universities, warning that failure to act could result in a nationwide strike.

The directive was issued by the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) following its quarterly statutory meeting held on June 18 at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.

In a statement released on June 19, UTAG expressed concern over what it described as persistent delays in addressing matters that impact the welfare of academic staff and undermine confidence in the collective bargaining process.

A major concern for the Association is the government's failure to formalise and sign the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, despite negotiations having been concluded and consensus reached among all parties involved.

UTAG explained that the temporary salary arrangement was designed to cushion university lecturers while awaiting the implementation of a comprehensive salary review by the Independent Emoluments Commission, scheduled to take effect in January 2027.

The Association also pointed to unresolved challenges relating to post-retirement contract renewals, rollover arrangements for academic staff, unpaid promotion arrears, outstanding allowances, and delays in the processing of the 2026 Book and Research Allowance.

It further criticised delays by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), and the Ministry of Finance in approving and placing affected staff on payroll, saying the situation continues to affect the smooth running of public universities.

UTAG is therefore demanding the immediate implementation of the Interim Salary Adjustment Agreement, payment of all outstanding benefits, and the resolution of pending administrative issues.

The Association cautioned that if meaningful progress is not made by June 30, its various branches will begin consultations within five working days to obtain the necessary mandate for industrial action in line with the UTAG Constitution and the Labour Act.

Despite its warning, UTAG maintained that it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement, urging the government to demonstrate commitment by fulfilling agreements already reached with university lecturers.