The Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), demanding the immediate reversal of a directive compelling traditional public universities to swear in representatives from the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union under the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) onto their Governing Councils.

The ultimatum comes in response to a GTEC letter dated June 18, 2025, which formally recognised TEWU-TUC as the legitimate union to represent non-teaching staff on the governing boards of public traditional universities.

GTEC directed all affected institutions to swear in TEWU-TUC representatives with immediate effect and to accord them full Council privileges.

The Commission also instructed TEWU-GH members to refrain from participating in Council activities, even in instances where they had already been inducted.

At a press conference held in Accra on Tuesday, June 24, National Chairman of TEWU-GH, Sulemana Abdul Rahaman—who also serves as the union’s branch chairman at the University for Development Studies (UDS)—vehemently rejected the directive.

He argued that the recognition of TEWU-TUC does not invalidate the rights and relevance of TEWU-GH, pointing out that GTEC’s move undermines union pluralism and breaches due process in labour representation.

“The bargaining certificate held by TEWU-TUC does not extinguish the legitimacy of TEWU-GH,” Abdul Rahaman stated.

“This directive is a violation of democratic principles and an affront to the autonomy of unions within Ghana’s labour ecosystem.”

He further called on the broader labour movement to intervene and urged prominent labour leaders, including TUC Deputy Secretary-General Joshua Ansah, to refrain from divisive comments that may threaten unity among unions.

“With respect for democratic and fair representation, we appeal to all comrades within the labour fraternity to advise brother Joshua Ansah to avoid statements that do not foster harmony at the labour front,” he said.

TEWU-GH has vowed to resist what it sees as an attempt to marginalise its members and is calling on GTEC to reverse the decision or face further action after the seven-day window expires.