TIG Post

Tag: UTAG

  • UTAG, TUTAG, CETAG assured of receiving allowances on time

    UTAG, TUTAG, CETAG assured of receiving allowances on time

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has assured the leadership of three unions in Ghana’s tertiary education sector of receiving their allowances on time.

    He made this known to the unions on Tuesday, June 10, when they met to discuss the disbursement of the Book and Research Allowance. 

    The meeting, which was prompted by a request from the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), aimed to address concerns over the payment of the allowance.

    Dr Forson assured the union leaders that the allowance had been fully captured in the 2025 budget and that he had initiated the necessary processes to ensure its release.

    “I assured them that the allowance has been fully captured in the 2025 Budget, and I have since initiated the necessary processes in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure its release,” the sector minister shared on his X page.

    He also commended the unions for their constructive proposal to establish a dedicated Labour Relations Desk within the Ministry of Finance, which would strengthen coordination and enhance dialogue between the ministry and labour stakeholders.

    During the meeting, Dr Forson said he updated the union leaders on ongoing payroll reforms, particularly the audit being conducted by the Auditor-General.

    He added that preliminary findings indicate a significant presence of ghost names on the payroll, which, if addressed, could yield substantial savings for the public purse. 

    Dr Forson urged the union leaders to lend their support to this important national exercise, emphasising that cleaning the payroll was not only about fiscal prudence but also about restoring integrity and fairness in public sector compensation.

    This comes at a time when members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), have withdrawn from their posts over delays in their 2024 Collective Agreement since June 2.

    A 10-day injunction has been placed on the nationwide strike after the Industrial and Labour Division of the High Court in Accra described the protest as illegal.

    But the GRNMA has disclosed that it is yet to formally receive a court order restraining its ongoing strike.

    Public Relations Officer of the GRNMA, Joseph Krampah, has insisted that the group will continue its strike until an official injunction notice is served.

    According to him, although the association is a law-abiding group, it cannot obey unofficial reports.

    “They think that they should serve us a letter; we can’t prevent them, but what constitutes an illegal strike? When in Ghana has the Labour Commission said that this strike is legal? It is only illegal when they don’t inform your office about the intended strike, and we did—you had the letter,” Krampah said.

    Meanwhile, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh has revealed that the government will not be able to meet the conditions of service for the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), currently on strike, this year.

    Engaging the press, the sector minister announced that the conditions of service being requested to be implemented were not captured in the 2025 budget statement; hence, it will “completely throw the economy off gear if implemented in the manner it currently exists.”

    “We are mindful of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure and want to avoid the economic slippages that have led to the hardship in the recent past,” the Health Minister revealed.

  • UTAG congratulations to President-elect Mahama, all Ghanaians

    UTAG congratulations to President-elect Mahama, all Ghanaians

    University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has congratulated President-elect John Mahama on his win in the 2024 presidential elections. They called his victory a strong endorsement of his leadership and vision for the country.

    “This triumph is a powerful affirmation of the Ghanaian people’s confidence in your social contract and unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress and prosperity,” UTAG expressed in a press release signed by its National President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni.

    The Association also lauded the Vice President-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, highlighting her groundbreaking achievements.

    “As a proud member of UTAG, your accomplishments as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana and, more significantly, as the first female Vice President-elect of the Republic of Ghana inspire us all,” the statement noted.

    UTAG also praised Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, for his respectful concession, highlighting that it played an important role in easing tensions at a crucial time.

  • UTAG to halt galamsey strike on Oct 29

    UTAG to halt galamsey strike on Oct 29

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is set to halt its strike against illegal mining, or galamsey, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, following a directive from the association’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    This decision comes after weeks of industrial action that disrupted academic activities in public universities nationwide.

    UTAG initiated the strike on October 10, 2024, to pressure the government into taking stronger action against the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, particularly its impact on water bodies. The association argued that illegal mining posed a serious threat to the country’s sustainability.

    In light of ongoing negotiations, the NEC has now instructed its members to resume teaching, expressing hope that their concerns will be adequately addressed by the government. A statement from the NEC noted that assurances had been given to intensify efforts to combat the galamsey menace.

    However, the committee emphasized that they would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the government follows through on its commitments.

    The strike, which caused a significant disruption in academic work and affected thousands of students, is officially set to end on October 29, with students expected to return to classes by November 1, 2024, as universities resume normal operations.

  • We won’t let internal divisions weaken us – UG-UTAG

    We won’t let internal divisions weaken us – UG-UTAG

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a strong response to a splinter group calling itself the ‘Silent Majority of UTAG’ after the group demanded an immediate end to the ongoing strike.

    On Tuesday, October 15, the ‘Silent Majority’ gave UTAG’s national leadership a three-day ultimatum to cease the strike, arguing that since Organised Labour had already halted their industrial action after the government promised to address illegal mining (galamsey), UTAG’s strike was now unwarranted.

    The group claimed that with Organised Labour backing down, there was no longer any justification for UTAG’s continued strike.

    In response, the President of UTAG’s University of Ghana branch issued a statement asserting that UTAG would not engage in a public confrontation with the breakaway group.

    He emphasized that the association’s unity would not be shaken by external forces and that they would not allow their solidarity to be broken by non-members.

    However, UTAG expressed a willingness to engage the ‘Silent Majority’ in private discussions to address the issues behind the strike.

    “It would be fratricidal for us to fight them publicly. We won’t allow our front to be broken by anyone who isn’t part of us. We would engage them to let them understand the reasons why we took exception to the unfortunate behaviours of the TUC and Clossag heads and went on the route of industrial action.”

    He maintained that the industrial action would remain in effect until the National Executive Committee decides otherwise.

    “We do not want to respond to them publicly but it must be stated categorically that UTAG’s indefinite strike, which could not be overturned by the less than 57 lecturers, remain in force until the NEC of UTAG decides otherwise,” UTAG insisted.

    Read below the statement by UTAG

    RESPONSE TO THE GROUP CALLING ITSELF SILENT MAJORITY OF UTAG MEMBERS

    I have seen an unsigned petition by some 57 people, presented to UTAG National and also delivered at a Press Conference held today. UTAG National would officially respond shortly and in a manner that would clearly set records straight while keeping the sanctity of our front intact.

    But my checks show that out of the 57 people, 36 are not University Teachers. Many of the remaining who are Lecturers have also issued public disclaimers (some of which I would share shortly) to the effect that they never consented to being part of anything.

    Now, there’s no way 57 people who are not all lecturers can describe themselves as a silent majority of lecturers with the audacity to give an ultimatum to the close to 3000 university professors who voted to strike against illegal mining.

    But some of them are our colleagues who clearly didn’t understand the issues. It would be fratricidal for us to fight them publicly. We won’t allow our front to be broken by anyone who isn’t part of us. We would engage them to let them understand the reasons why we took exception to the unfortunate behaviours of the TUC and Clossag heads and went on the route of industrial action.

    “We do not want to respond to them publicly but it must be stated categorically that UTAG’s indefinite strike, which could not be overturned by the less than 57 lecturers, remain in force until the NEC of UTAG decides otherwise

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  • Stop the strikes and bring practical solutions – UTAG told

    Stop the strikes and bring practical solutions – UTAG told

    Professor Isaac Boadi of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has expressed frustration with the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for initiating a strike.

    His concerns come after Organized Labour had already suspended their planned nationwide strike.

    He argued that universities should serve as problem-solving institutions, not places for organizing strikes, emphasizing that their focus should be on finding solutions.

    “I am very disappointed in UTAG. I am not proud to be associated with the association at this moment. Galamsey has been a long-standing issue, and while we understand the consequences, we must also recognize the government’s efforts to address it. This is a complex problem that cannot be solved overnight,” he told the media.

    “Organized Labour, the umbrella body for all workers, decided to suspend the strike. Why did UTAG choose to go against this decision? UTAG members nationwide voted on a motion, but Organized Labour had called off the strike. If UTAG’s leadership was truly acting in the best interest of its members, they should have proposed a new motion for us to vote on, rather than declaring a strike on an issue that Organized Labour had already abandoned,” he explained.

    He also criticized UTAG’s decision to strike after Organized Labour, which represents all workers, called off their own strike.

    As a member of UTAG and Dean of Accounting and Finance at UPSA, Professor Boadi acknowledged the government’s efforts to address some of UTAG’s concerns, such as increasing online teaching and research allowances.

    He viewed the strike as an unjustified reaction to these efforts.

    He questioned why UTAG frequently resorted to strikes at the slightest issue, a practice he deemed uncommon in other countries.

    “Has any university in Ghana presented a proposal to the government on how to combat galamsey? We have not offered any solutions to this illegal mining activity. We should focus on finding solutions, not resorting to strikes,” he emphasized.

    Professor Boadi urged UTAG leadership to focus on issues that directly impact their profession and avoid unnecessary disruptions. He emphasized that strikes should only be called when their work is truly affected.

    “Which universities outside Ghana use strikes to address their challenges? They find solutions without adding to the problem. Professors and lecturers in European countries do not wear red armbands for demonstrations. Why should our system be different?” he asked.

    He also clarified that UTAG-UPSA is not participating in the strike because their priority is the well-being of their students.

  • Can’t we describe Akufo-Addo as a joker for failing galamsey fight? – UTAG-KNUST chapter

    Can’t we describe Akufo-Addo as a joker for failing galamsey fight? – UTAG-KNUST chapter

    Professor Eric Abavare, President of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has defended his use of the term “joker” to describe President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in relation to the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

    Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 12, Prof. Abavare questioned the president’s performance in fighting galamsey, stating that his description was justified given the government’s failure to significantly address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

    His comments drew criticism from Enoch Afoakwa, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, who expressed discomfort with the term used. However, Prof. Abavare stood by his statement, asserting that it reflected the reality of the president’s handling of the issue.

    “My learned friend Enoch said I have described the president with a word that he is not comfortable with. I want him to understand that I want my government to succeed. I want my country to succeed, and if my government succeeds, it means my country also succeeds,” Prof. Abavare explained.

    He further elaborated on his choice of language by referencing the government’s inability to reclaim lands destroyed by illegal mining: “I made those descriptions about the president and I still stand by them; that he is a big joker! When we attended elementary school, you recall that we studied something called ’rounding off.’ You have a fraction that is less than 5, and then you round it out to be zero. So, if the environmental audit report of the Accountant-General says that we have reclaimed less than 1 percent of destroyed lands and in the examination, if you get less than 50 percent, we say you have failed.”

    Prof. Abavare concluded by questioning the president’s performance on galamsey, saying, “Assuming I have put the president to an examination on galamsey and I am supposed to assess him on his performance of land reclamation and he gets less than 1 percent, and I describe him as a joker, is it out of the blue?”

    His remarks highlight ongoing frustrations with the government’s inability to effectively address the devastation caused by illegal mining, as Ghana continues to grapple with the environmental and social consequences of galamsey.

  • UTAG proceeds with an indefinite strike after U-turn by Organised Labour

    UTAG proceeds with an indefinite strike after U-turn by Organised Labour

    University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced an indefinite strike, starting on October 10, 2024, after members overwhelmingly voted to support a nationwide ban on mining and prospecting in environmentally sensitive areas.

    With 77.95% of members from 15 branches backing the move, UTAG has taken a strong position against harmful mining practices that threaten the country’s natural resources.

    In a referendum organised by UTAG’s National Executive Council (NEC), 2,153 out of 2,762 members voted in favor of the strike, demanding an immediate stop to mining activities in forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies.

    Only 607 members voted against the strike, while two abstained. NEC referred to the result as “a clear mandate,” paving the way for UTAG’s indefinite industrial action across its branches.

    In a statement released by the NEC, the association highlighted its members’ strong resolve to safeguard the environment.

    “This decisive outcome reflects the unwavering commitment of UTAG members to protect our environment and livelihoods from the destructive impact of mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas such as forest reserves, farms, and water bodies,” the NEC said.

    The referendum and subsequent strike come amid growing concerns over the impact of illegal mining activities, popularly known as “galamsey,” which have devastated forest reserves, rivers, and farmlands across the country.

    UTAG members are calling for immediate government action, stressing that a nationwide ban on mining is essential to protect Ghana’s natural resources and safeguard the sustainability of local communities.

    UTAG Activates Constitutional Mandate for Strike

    After the referendum, the National Executive Council (NEC) convened an emergency meeting, during which it unanimously decided to invoke Article XIX, Clause 5 of the UTAG Constitution. This clause grants the council the authority to declare a strike in matters of national significance.

    “In line with this constitutional mandate, NEC has unanimously declared an immediate INDEFINITE STRIKE from the 10th of October 2024 across all 15 UTAG branches,” the NEC declared.

    UTAG is demanding that the government formally announce a nationwide ban on all mining and prospecting activities in protected areas, including forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies. Until the ban is instituted, all UTAG members have been directed to comply with the strike order.

    “This Is a Critical National Cause”

    In their statement, UTAG emphasized the importance of the strike, calling it a “critical national cause.” The association called on all members to stand firm in their commitment to the environment.

    “Thank you for your steadfast support in this critical national cause,” the NEC stated.

    UTAG’s action intensifies pressure on the government, which is already facing widespread public dissatisfaction due to the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

    The association’s decision to strike highlights the increasing demand for decisive measures to combat the galamsey crisis.

  • Why fight hard against LGBTQ but stay silent on galamsey? – Lecturer quizzes Bagbin

    Why fight hard against LGBTQ but stay silent on galamsey? – Lecturer quizzes Bagbin

    President of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Eric Abavare, has expressed his disappointment in Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for his lack of action in addressing the issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

    Professor Abavare pointed out that while Bagbin was heavily involved in advocating for legislation against LGBTQI+ issues, even promising to ensure the law’s passage before the 8th Parliament concludes, he has remained noticeably silent on the issue of illegal mining, which poses a much greater threat to the country.

    The lecturer emphasised that the Speaker’s inaction on the galamsey crisis is concerning and called for him to demonstrate leadership on this critical issue. He also criticised Bagbin for focusing so much energy on LGBTQI+ matters, which, according to Abavare, are far less harmful to the nation than the ongoing illegal mining activities.

    “The Speaker of Parliament is on my radar because he is culpable. He is culpable not because he is involved in galamsey but because he has failed to speak against it. I will not change this position. We all saw the commitment and dedication he had towards the LGBTQI+ issue. When the law was formulated, he promised to see it passed.

    “He was deeply involved in the LGBTQI+ matters and pledged that as long as he remained Speaker, he would not entertain such activities.

    “But where is he now that we are talking about galamsey? Galamsey is far more dangerous and a greater threat to the nation compared to LGBTQI. With LGBTQI+, two people are in a room engaging in a private act, but galamsey threatens our livelihoods, destroys our water bodies, and ravages our forests. We’ve even gone as far as passing a new law, L.I. (2462), allowing mining in our forest reserves. Did the Speaker not see this law in Parliament?”

    Speaking in an interview on Frontline 87.5 FM, he continued, “If we are blaming President Akufo-Addo for failing to address the galamsey issue, then we cannot exclude the Speaker from this mess. He is culpable, and I will not blame him alone. The Chief Justice should also bear some responsibility for what is happening.”

    Meanwhile, he has called on the Speaker to resign if he is unfit for the role, stressing that Alban Bagbin has failed as a leader in the fight against galamsey

  • UTAG votes to determine stance on upcoming strike against galamsey

    UTAG votes to determine stance on upcoming strike against galamsey

    Members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have commenced voting across various campuses to determine whether to support the decision to embark on a strike, as stipulated in the association’s constitution.

    At the University for Development Studies (UDS), voting has concluded, with 311 members participating. Of those, 86.5% voted in favor of the motion to initiate industrial action, while 13.5% opposed it.

    UTAG President, Prof. Mamudu Akurugu, expressed confidence that all campuses will vote in favor of the strike. He further noted that the voting process will be completed by Tuesday, October 8.

    “In the case of UTAG, our constitution mandates that individuals have to vote for the declaration of an industrial action and we have started that process already. We have faith in our members who asked us to join organised labour, and we are sure that the overwhelming majority of our members will vote for the industrial action to be declared.”

    Voting continues on other UTAG campuses, while organized labour’s leadership remains resolute in its plan to initiate a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10, if their demands are not addressed.

    The group is urging the government to declare a state of emergency to protect water bodies and rivers, enforce a temporary ban on small-scale mining, and revoke L.I 2462, which authorizes mining in forest reserves.

    President Akufo-Addo recently met with labour leaders, requesting additional time to address their demands. Reports suggest the government has agreed to withdraw L.I 2462, but organized labour is currently convening at the TUC conference room in Accra to determine their next steps.

  • UTAG urges AG to halt prosecution of Democracy Hub protesters

    UTAG urges AG to halt prosecution of Democracy Hub protesters

    University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to submit a nolle prosequi to facilitate the prompt release of the protesters detained at Democracy Hub.

    UTAG has expressed its worries regarding the recent arrests and the continued detention of the demonstrators from the Democracy Hub, advocating for their swift release.

    “UTAG voiced serious concern over the recent arrests and ongoing detention of demonstrators from the Democracy Hub and called for their immediate release.

    While UTAG condemned the arrests as violations of the protesters’ fundamental rights and freedoms, the Association acknowledged that the exercise of such rights must occur within the framework of the rule of law.

    UTAG urged the Ghana Police Service to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest, which is in line with the democratic principles that govern the nation.

    UTAG also encouraged the Attorney General and Minister for Justice to file a nolle prosequi to expedite the release of the detained demonstrators,” a communiqué issued after the fourth quarter meeting for 2024 at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) said.

    The meeting, organised by the National Executive Council, aimed to address several pressing issues raised by its members.

    Earlier, Dr. Dominic Ayine, a former Deputy Attorney General, condemned the actions of the Democracy Hub protesters during their demonstration last week, which included alleged road blockages and confrontations with the police.

    Nonetheless, he argued that such behaviour should not be grounds for denying them bail. In his view, withholding bail from the protesters constitutes a violation of their rights.

    Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, September 28, the Bolgatanga East lawmaker said “The blocking of traffic is something that is condemnable; the attempt to engage in fisticuffs with police is something that we should condemn. Having said that, I do not think that the activities they engaged in are sufficient reasons you say they should be detained without bail.

    That is where my concern is. The denial of bail in this case is tantamount to punishing them; it is tantamount to judicial abuse of the rights of the citizens

    He also criticised the police for denying the suspects access to their lawyers.

    “The right to counsel is a key fundamental right… they need the assistance of a legal professional to be able to understand the issues so the Police acted in abuse of their right.”

    The state has brought eight charges against leading members of Democracy Hub, including offensive conduct, breach of the peace, and theft from some protesters.

    An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and eleven others into police custody for two weeks. Their lawyers sought bail after the group pleaded not guilty. While Barker-Vormawor faces eight charges, including offensive conduct and theft, the other twelve are charged with six offences.

    Judge Kwabena Obiri Yeboah ordered the police to ensure the protesters receive food after reports emerged that they had gone without sustenance for approximately three days.

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who missed his initial court appearance due to health issues, arrived at the circuit court appearing frail and limping. Fanny Otoo could not attend the hearing, while Barker-Vormawor’s lawyer, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, claimed that the police had neglected his client’s medical needs, resulting in his collapse while in custody.

    In response to claims of police brutality during the Democracy Hub protest last weekend, law enforcement denied using excessive force, despite facing provocations. Following the unrest, police reported the arrest of 54 individuals, all of whom have been charged in accordance with legal procedures.

  • All forms of small-scale mining in forests, rivers must be banned immediately – UTAG

    All forms of small-scale mining in forests, rivers must be banned immediately – UTAG

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has urged the government to impose an immediate nationwide ban on mining and prospecting for gold and other minerals in the country’s forest reserves, farmlands, and rivers.

    In a statement released on Monday, 9 September 2024, UTAG made this appeal, highlighting the severe environmental destruction brought about by illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’

    The association emphasized the significant harm done to the nation’s natural resources and environment, characterizing the current government-led initiatives to tackle galamsey as “failed and corruption-infested militarised battles.”

    “Have we not already destroyed 50 per cent of what our forefathers left us? The time for action is now. All forms of small-scale mining must be banned immediately.”

    The association also criticised government-led initiatives such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout, labeling them as “monumental failures.”

    UTAG cautioned that severe consequences could arise if the current trajectory persists.

    “Cocoa productivity, once a cornerstone of our dear economy, has declined by 45 per cent this year. Experts estimate that illegal mining costs the economy USD 2.3 billion annually. The Forestry Commission reports that over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover have been permanently destroyed,” the statement noted.

  • UTAG objects NDC’s payment of academic fees for Level 100 students

    UTAG objects NDC’s payment of academic fees for Level 100 students

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed strong opposition to former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to cover academic user facility fees for all first-year university students if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins power.

    With thousands of eligible students unable to gain university admission annually due to financial constraints, the NDC plans to remove these barriers by paying the fees for level 100 students.

    However, UTAG contends that a more effective approach would be to distribute these funds directly to universities as bursaries.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, UTAG President Professor Mahamoud Akudugu raised concerns about the current financial challenges facing universities.

    He explained that government funding to universities has dwindled, forcing institutions to cover operational costs such as utilities.

    “It is good news that the government wants to do this, but we at the universities are also concerned about the fact that currently, government’s funding to the universities has drastically declined to the extent that only salaries are being paid. Universities are expected to pay their own electricity, utility bills, and all the rest,” Professor Akudugu said.

    He warned that without provisions for infrastructure improvements, the influx of students could overwhelm existing facilities.

    “If you are proposing a policy of this nature and there is no provision for infrastructure and the rest of it, then at the end of the day, the students will come and there is no place to sit. So we want a fuller picture of what they want to do at the tertiary level so we can holistically deal with it.”

    Professor Akudugu advocated for the policy to be targeted towards needy students, suggesting that universities administer bursaries and scholarships based on student need.

    “For us, we believe that this policy should be targeted for equity. It should be given as bursaries and scholarships or grants to the universities to administer because they will be able to know who are the needy students based on their history.”

    Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, echoed UTAG’s suggestion, citing global best practices.

    “The best practice in western countries dictates that for bursaries and financial assistance schemes to benefit students, the universities are the ones who must administer them and then report to the scholarship authority,” he said.

    However, NDC Director of Inter-Party and CSO Relations, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, pushed back against UTAG’s proposal, arguing that it could invite fraud. He insisted that the policy should benefit all students to ensure fairness.

    “I strongly disagree because it will create room for rent-seeking… there are equally a number of rent-seekers in universities who will also want to take advantage of some of these things,” Dr. Otokunor argued.

    “The key thing about policy efficiency is that you must as much as possible remove the human intervention, and now every university runs an electronic system of registration.”

    The debate arises from John Mahama’s announcement that the NDC would implement a policy ensuring that first-year tertiary students would not pay academic fees, as part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on parents.

    He also mentioned plans to strengthen the Student Loan Trust Fund to help continuing students cover their fees.

  • Reinstate Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong as UCC VC – UTAG-UCC to management

    Reinstate Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong as UCC VC – UTAG-UCC to management

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UCC) at the University of Cape Coast has criticized the University Council’s decision to terminate Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor.

    UTAG-UCC argues that the Council Chair’s action is unilateral and invalid, as it conflicts with ongoing court proceedings that have restrained the Council from making such a decision.

    “The letter from the Council Chair dated 31st July 2024, stating the termination of the Vice-Chancellor’s
    renewed term, is improper and without merit. The claims that the renewal breaches the University’s Statutes and the Constitution are unfounded.

    “The renewal was conducted with full consideration of all legal and statutory requirements. On this basis, the action of the Council Chair is arbitrary, capricious, and devoid of any legal justification. We reject it outrightly.”

    The association contends that the renewal of Prof. Boampong’s term was conducted in full compliance with legal and statutory requirements. They describe the Council Chair’s actions as arbitrary, unjustified, and harmful to the university’s governance.

    UTAG-UCC has called for the withdrawal of the termination letter, accusing the Chair of acting in bad faith and making unilateral decisions detrimental to the university’s governance.

    The association has urged the government to remove the Chairman from his position and assured the university community that it will closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps to safeguard the institution’s integrity and the rights of its members.

    UTAG-UCC stresses the importance of adhering to legal and statutory frameworks, warning that any deviation from these standards will be met with resistance to ensure justice and fairness.

    Read below the statement

  • UTAG joins Ablakwa in calls for dismissal of SSNIT board and top management

    UTAG has announced their intention to join the ongoing organised labour strike in the coming days.

    They argue that SSNIT’s decision to withdraw the sale of four hotels is insufficient.

    UTAG is demanding the dissolution of the SSNIT board and the removal of its management, led by Kofi Osafo-Maafo, for overseeing what they deem a controversial transaction.

    SSNIT recently pulled back from selling a 60% stake in its struggling hotels following a nationwide strike call by organised labour affecting all public sector employees.

    Concurrently, Rock City Hotel has retracted its bid to purchase the hotels, citing the negative publicity and lack of stakeholder consultation preceding the sale decision.

  • Former UTAG president ‘condemns’ Bawumia’s kayayei training programme

    Former UTAG president ‘condemns’ Bawumia’s kayayei training programme

    Former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, has expressed concerns that recent government initiatives, such as constructing hostels and providing training programmes for female head porters (kayayei), will promote rural-urban migration.

    “I believe it is a retrogressive measure; such initiatives always set us back because we aim to stop rural-urban migration. In an attempt to do that, you don’t build an edifice in Accra. You would only be calling them to come to Accra.

    “This is a common economic indicator… One would have thought that they would be given incentives to stay back.

    So, if you build hostels and train those coming to Accra, and give them money to work, who is going to ensure that after six months they won’t leave Accra and return to the North? And if all of them leave, no one would be here,” he said.

    Recently, Vice President Bawumia inaugurated a modern hostel facility for female porters, mainly from northern Ghana.

    The initiative also featured training and educational sessions designed to equip these women with essential survival skills.

    The first group of beneficiaries has already completed the program and received startup capital to launch their own businesses.

  • You have no right to call Mahama incompetent – Former UTAG President drags NPP over ‘dumsor’

    You have no right to call Mahama incompetent – Former UTAG President drags NPP over ‘dumsor’

    Former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Charles Ofori Marfo, has criticized the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as “incompetent.”

    His criticism came amid a debate over the issue of ‘dumsor,’ a local term for irregular power supply.

    Prof. Marfo’s remarks were prompted by recent comments from NPP representatives who labeled their opponents in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama, as incompetent.

    However, he argued that such accusations lacked credibility coming from a party that, in his view, had exhibited similar shortcomings.

    “A few days ago, I heard their spokesperson say, incompetent Mahama. It sounds so bitter to me because they have exhibited the same incompetence…a pot shouldn’t tell charcoal that it’s black…when it comes to this particular issue (incompetence), they (the NPP) have no grounds to call Mahama that because they have failed,” oyerepaonline.com quoted him to have said in an interview on April 18, 2024.

    Discussing the issue of erratic power supply, Prof. Marfo claimed that the NPP had not adequately tackled the problem during their time in office.

    He noted that during the NDC’s administration under Mahama, efforts were made to alleviate the electricity crisis, and some NPP members acknowledged improvements in power supply.

    “We were in a certain trouble; we wanted our redemption, and mind you, even at the time that they came to power, if they want to be truthful to themselves, John Mahama has fixed the ‘dumsor’ problem. In fact, some of them testified,” he added.

  • “A pot shouldn’t tell charcoal it’s black” – Prof Marfo tells NPP for calling Mahama incompetent

    “A pot shouldn’t tell charcoal it’s black” – Prof Marfo tells NPP for calling Mahama incompetent

    Former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Charles Ofori Marfo, has criticized the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), labeling them as “incompetent.”

    His critique emerged amidst a discussion surrounding the issue of ‘dumsor,’ a local term denoting erratic power supply.

    Professor Marfo’s remarks were triggered by recent statements from NPP representatives, who branded their adversaries in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama, as incompetent.

    However, he argued that such accusations lacked credibility when coming from a party that, in his perspective, had displayed similar inadequacies.

    “A few days ago, I heard their spokesperson say, incompetent Mahama. It sounds so bitter to me because they have exhibited the same incompetence…a pot shouldn’t tell charcoal that it’s black…when it comes to this particular issue (incompetence), they (the NPP) have no grounds to call Mahama that because they have failed,” oyerepaonline.com quoted him to have said in an interview on April 18, 2024.

    Addressing the issue of ‘dumsor,’ Professor Marfo contended that the NPP had failed to effectively tackle the problem during their administration.

    He highlighted that during the NDC’s tenure under Mahama, endeavors were made to alleviate the electricity crisis, with some members of the NPP acknowledging enhancements in power supply.

  • Bawumia needs to be fact-checked – Prof Gyampo reacts to Feb 7 address to nation

    Bawumia needs to be fact-checked – Prof Gyampo reacts to Feb 7 address to nation

    President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called for a thorough fact-checking of the claims made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia regarding digitization achievements, following the NPP presidential candidate’s recent address to the nation.

    In his analysis of Dr. Bawumia’s presentation on February 7, 2024, Prof Gyampo acknowledged the focus on digitization as a central theme of the address, describing the potential impact of digitization policies on development as “indubitable and enormous.” 

    However, the Professor expressed concerns about the manner in which the information was presented to the public.

    He noted that while Dr Bawumia emphasized the achievements of digitization, many of these accomplishments should have been well-known to Ghanaians beforehand. 

    Further, he pointed out that the presentation made these achievements sound new to the audience, raising doubts about the accuracy of the claims.

    Gyampo’s call for fact-checking comes in the midst of heightened political discourse and scrutiny as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections. 

    With digitization policies forming a significant part of the government’s agenda, Prof Gyampo believes ensuring transparency and accuracy in the presentation of achievements is crucial for informed decision-making by the electorate.

    As a result, Gyampo emphasized the need for thorough fact-checking of the claims made by Dr. Bawumia to ensure their veracity. 

    He suggested that independent verification of the information would be essential to confirm the accuracy of the digitization achievements touted by the NPP presidential candidate.

    “This essentially was an articulation of achievements and vision, fundamentally in the broader area of Digitization and honestly, the various manifestations of this overarching policy, and what it can do to promote development, is indubitable and enormous. No doubt it formed the interwoven central theme of the presentation. 

    “Unfortunately, Ghanaians had to wait to be told more about what digitization has done for them by the man himself, in a manner that makes many of the achievements which should have been long known, sound new. Consequently, there may be the need to fact-check many of the claims in order to be sure. Prof Gyampo made these claims after Dr Bawumia addressed the nation on Feb 7, 2024. Write a news article with a focus on the Fact-check aspect,” he added.

  • UTAG slams UniMAC VC for “distasteful” Book and Research Allowances comment

    UTAG slams UniMAC VC for “distasteful” Book and Research Allowances comment

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed disappointment in Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), over remarks regarding the Book and Research Allowances (BRA) paid to its members.

    Prof Kwansah-Aidoo suggested at a public lecture organized by the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies that the allowance be abolished and replaced with an application-based research fund.

    UTAG described the remarks as ‘sneering’ and disheartening, noting that they were made with a limited understanding of what the BRA is used for.

    According to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Book and Research Allowance (BRA) serves not only for scholarly publications, as suggested by the Vice Chancellor, but is also crucial in supporting academic pursuits, professional development, and promoting a culture of research excellence within universities.

    “We find his comments as coming from a place of disdain and a depiction of a long-standing culture of some academics climbing to the top and turning back to remove the very ladder that led them there. His statement that, he does not know what academics do with the BRA is condescending, distasteful, and pretentious, to say the least,” part of a statement issued by UTAG read.

    UTAG stated that their research activities contribute to enhancing teaching and making contributions to society beyond scholarly publications.

    The union expressed that the Vice Chancellor’s proposal to abolish the BRA reflects a limited understanding of research activities. UTAG called for an apology from the Vice Chancellor for his remarks.

    “We call on the Vice Chancellor to apologise to the entire membership of UTAG and, in subsequent pronouncements, engage in constructive dialogue with UTAG to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives, concerns and research efforts of our members,” portions of the February 3 statement read.

  • ‘Honeymoon period’ for next govt will be dependent on tight expenditure – UTAG-UG

    ‘Honeymoon period’ for next govt will be dependent on tight expenditure – UTAG-UG

    Labor unions have expressed their commitment to offering support and flexibility to the next government, provided that the political party aligns its expenditures with available resources and avoids unnecessary spending.

    The unions stand for responsible fiscal management and financial prudence.

    This stance comes in response to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, who has requested a “honeymoon” period from Ghanaians, especially trade and labor groups, should his party regain power.

    Mahama emphasized the importance of time to revive the economy before addressing specific demands.

    Following former President John Mahama’s appeal for a “honeymoon” period, the President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) – University of Ghana Chapter, Prof Ransford Gyampo, has indicated that the association would only contemplate granting such a period if Mahama demonstrates a genuine commitment to tightening government expenses.

    It is his hope that the next government “wouldn’t be seen or be heard talking, telling labour to tighten their belt while you and your appointees will be living in opulence, as we keep seeing now.”

    “So what is going to be the size of the government? Are they going to be selling vehicles that may be bequeathed to them by the current administration? I mean, if some of these things are done, we will not get the support from labour,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the spokesperson for John Mahama, has assured that the former President is prepared to exercise control over government expenditure if he receives the support.

  • UTAG contemplates nationwide strike over govt’s stalled Service Condition talks

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) remains steadfast in its resolve to commence a nationwide strike, attributing the government’s alleged disregard for negotiating their conditions of service.

    UTAG’s General Secretary, Dr Eliasu Mumuni, underscored that deliberations on the base pay, particularly regarding market premiums, represent the pivotal factor that could lead to a reconsideration of their decision.

    Speaking to the press in Accra, Dr Mumuni revealed that UTAG members would gather to declare a specific date for the initiation of their strike.

    He underscored the need for collective approval from the membership before proceeding, stating: “We need that collective permission for membership to say we are behind you, so go ahead.”

    Dr. Mumuni highlighted ongoing efforts to engage all 15 campuses’ membership and prompt the National Labour Commission (NLC) during this period.

    “If they are not able to reach us, and we have gone through the formality of engaging all the membership of all the 15 campuses, as well as prompting the Labour Commission, then we are good to go,” he stressed.

    Meanwhile, UTAG and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) walked out of a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.

    The associations attributed their exit to the commission’s alleged bad faith, contempt, and lackadaisical approach towards addressing vital aspects of their conditions of service.

    Expressing dissatisfaction, they denounced what they perceived as gross disrespect and a lack of commitment to improving their conditions of service.

  • UG-UTAG challenges Kan-Dapaah over allegations of academics inciting coup

    UG-UTAG challenges Kan-Dapaah over allegations of academics inciting coup

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana at the University of Ghana (UG-UTAG) has expressed strong disapproval of recent statements made by the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah.

    Speaking at a seminar titled “Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace and Security in Africa” in Accra, the minister suggested that some individuals in academia, civil society, and the media were leveraging their influence to incite actions that could potentially disrupt the country through the dissemination of false information.

    In response to these remarks, UG-UTAG voiced their concerns about the potential repercussions, emphasising that such comments could stifle the expression of dissenting viewpoints and curtail the fundamental right to free speech.

    “The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG) has noted with concern some comments purportedly made by the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah.

    “According to the Honourable Minister, some identified individuals in academia (we believe, including UG-UTAG Members), civil society, and the media are leveraging their influence in society to incite a coup to destabilise the country through the spreading of misinformation and disinformation without adducing any evidence to support the claim.

    “We do not support any individual or groups calling for a coup in Ghana, but at the same time, we won’t be gagged from speaking our minds forcefully on all important national issues. We would fiercely resist any attempt, including political commentary, that has the potency to usher us into the dark days of a culture of silence,” part of the statement dated October 20, read in part.

    UG-UTAG underscored that effective prevention of coups and military interventions in politics hinges on the pillars of good governance, anti-corruption initiatives, responsible economic stewardship, and the proactive implementation of policies that benefit the less privileged.

    According to their perspective, these actions can serve to narrow the divide between the affluent and the underprivileged, ultimately fostering the development of a robust middle class within society.

    “The antidote to coups and military interventions in politics, are good governance, fight against corruption, proper management of the economy, and the implementation of proactive pro-poor policies, that can help bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as create a vibrant Middle Class in society.

    “While we call on the government to imbibe the antidotes listed above to secure our peace and promote political stability, we also ask for a national dialogue and conversation on how to guard against the threats of coups and safeguard our peace in Ghana,” the statement added.

  • UTAG threatens industrial action if government fails to pay 2022/23 BRA by October 21

    UTAG threatens industrial action if government fails to pay 2022/23 BRA by October 21

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has requested that government disburses their Book and Research Allowance (BRA) for the 2022/2023 academic year by Saturday, October 21.

    They have cautioned that failing to comply with this request may result in an industrial action.

    This warning was officially conveyed in a communiqué issued by UTAG on Monday, October 16.

    The document was signed by UTAG’s National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Dr. Elliasu Mumuni. According to the communiqué, the delayed disbursement of the BRA is causing unrest on university campuses.

    The release stated, “UTAG clarifies that the implementation of the National Research Fund should not replace the infamous Book and Research Allowance (BRA), which is a critical component of the conditions of service of the Members of UTAG, which has been delayed unduly for the already completed 2022/2023 Academic year as many Lecturers in public universities are yet to receive this reimbursable expenditure. This is creating tension on our campus.”

    “We are urging the Government to ensure that all UTAG Members receive their BRA by the 21st of October to avoid disrupting industrial harmony,” UTAG stated in the release. We urge the government to ensure that all UTAG members receive their BRA by October 21 to maintain industrial harmony,” UTAG emphasized in its release”.

    In addition, UTAG also condemned recent attacks on the media in the country, noting that these incidents are not in the national interest.

    “Congress of UTAG observed with sadness the increasing attacks on the freedom of expression and of the Media. These developments are not in the interest of our growing democratic dispensation.”

    “The recent attacks on journalists and some media houses in the country are attacks on freedom of expression as guaranteed in Chapter 12 of Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.”

    Consequently, UTAG has called on the Ghana Police Service to promptly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these acts.

    “While condemning these acts of violence and lawlessness, UTAG commends the police for acting swiftly to arrest some individuals who recently attacked journalists and panellists at United Television (UTV).”

    “We call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that perpetrators of all attacks on journalists, including the one on Citi FM journalists, media houses and killings of journalists in the country, are arrested and prosecuted without fail.”

  • UTAG-UPSA presidential election stalled as neither candidate achieves 50% plus 1 majority

    UTAG-UPSA presidential election stalled as neither candidate achieves 50% plus 1 majority

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) chapter at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), encountered an obstacle as it struggled to definitively elect a new president.

    This was after two of the leading contenders in the race, Dr Fred Awaah and Dr. Sadat Mohammed failed to attain the required 50+1% of all valid votes cast. 

    During Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the UTAG UPSA conducted elections to choose new leaders; however, the unresolved presidential election has left voters perplexed about the identity of their upcoming president, according to a report.

    According to a statement made available, the two candidates polled 148 and 149 votes, representing 49.50% and 49.83% respectively, indicating no clear majority.

    The statement also outlined the total results of the elections as follows:

    Total number of votes cast was 299
    Total rejected vote counted was 1
    Expected valid votes cast was supposed to be 298
    Actual valid vote counted was 297
    Uncounted (missing) vote was 1
    Dr Fred Awaah had 148
    Dr Sadat Mohammed had 149

    The statement further stated that while the above were the results, one of the contending parties requested for a recount that was not granted.

    “The Awaah Team requested for recount of ballot to authenticate the counted votes as a result of the missing vote. This would have established if the uncounted vote is Awaah’s or Sadat’s.

    “The EC also proposed a recount of the ballot but Dr Sadat’s team refused and prevented the recount,” it stated.

    In the meantime, the only positions that have been declared by the EC after the Wednesday polls are those for vice-president, secretary and treasurer.

    The determination on who becomes the next UTAG UPSA president has been referred to the national UTAG for redress.

    Read the full statement below:

    UTAG UPSA ELECTS TWO PRESIDENTS

    On Wednesday 9th August 2023, The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) held elections for new executives of the University Teachers Association of Ghana. The election ended in a manner that left voters confused on who their actual president is. The rules of engagement as provided by the independent Electoral Commission for the candidates before the election indicated that for a candidate to win, the candidate must obtain 50% + 1 of valid votes cast (Not simple majority).

    At the end of the election, the results for the presidential were as follows:
     1. Total number of votes cast was 299
     2. Total rejected vote counted was 1
     3. Expected valid votes cast was supposed to be 298
     4. Actual valid vote counted was 297
     5. Uncounted (missing) vote was 1
     6. Dr Fred Awaah had 148
     7. Dr Sadat Mohammed had 149

    The Awaah Team requested for recount of ballot to authenticate the counted votes as a result of the missing vote. This would have established if the uncounted vote is Awaah’s or Sadat’s.

    The EC also proposed a recount of the ballot but Dr Sadat’s team refused and prevented the recount (find the EC letter to National Executive Committee complaining that he was not allowed to recount. A video evidence is also available.

    Dr. Fred Doe has been the EC chair for the past two elections. The precedence in all these elections over the years is for a candidate to win with 50%+1 vote. This was reiterated by the EC before the election.

    At the close of polls, the EC declared only three position (Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) based on the 50% + 1 rule (video evidence available)

    In the case of the President, an agreement could not be reached for two reasons: the case of the missing ballot and the 50% rule. The EC notified members that the issues would be presented to the National UTAG for determination and clarification (Letter Attached).

    Although, using the rule of 50%+1, none of the candidates met the threshold as in these three possible scenarios:

    1. 299 total valid votes cast
     Sadat =149/299X100 = 49.83%
     Awaah = 148/299X100=49.50%
     2. Total valid votes cast 298
     Sadat =149/298X100= 50.00%
     Awaah=148/298X100=49.66%
     3. Total valid votes cast 297
     Sadat 149/297X100=50.17%
     Awaah 148/297X100=49.83%

    As would be noted in all of the three possible scenarios, none of the candidates met the 50%+1 vote requirement (50.50%), not even the third scenario where Dr. Sadat had 50.17%.

    The key concern is the missing vote which the EC could not account for and Sadat’s team did not allow the EC to recount as requested by Team Awaah. That single missing ballot would have established or otherwise if any of the candidates would have emerge as the winner either by simple majority or 50% + 1 rule.

    If the EC decides to align with national position of simple majority, that single missing ballot (not accounted for by the EC) would have determine whether there was a winner or they equaled (Draw).

    Our investigation however revealed that the Electoral Commissioner on Thursday, 10th August, 2023 at 11:03pm posted an unsigned letter on social media (Whatsapp) that Dr Sadat Mohammed was elected the president without recourse to 1. Accounting for the missing Vote, 2 the 50%+ 1 rule (which both candidates did not meet) and 3. Simple majority rule which can only be determined by the missing vote.

    As a result, both candidates have since held themselves as Presidents-Elect of the Union. Our investigation reveals that UPSA campus is tense and supporters of both presidents are standing resolute with their candidates.

    The parties can be reached on the following contact lines:
     Electoral Commission Chair – Dr. Fred Doe 0244733613
     President Elect – Dr. Fred Awaah 0243101626
     President Elect – Dr. Sadat Mohammed
     Signed

  • UDS lecturers to strike over removal of some office positions

    UDS lecturers to strike over removal of some office positions

    Members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the University of Development Studies (UDS) have threatened to strike in protest of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) termination of some positions.

    UTAG argues that the Commission has initiated a ban on office positions that were previously approved by University Councils in various universities.

    UTAG-UDS expresses concern that these actions by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission jeopardize the autonomy of public universities.

    Dr. Elliasu Mumuni, the Secretary of UTAG-UDS, indicates that they will take appropriate measures in response to the situation.

    “As far as we are concerned at the local level, our members are not actually taking it kindly and once these exercises are not stopped or these directives are not put on hold, members are threatening that by the 28th, we, members f the UDS as in the GAWA and the University teachers will not be able to teach and carry out any other community service that reflects the functions of a university,” he noted.

  • UTAG throws out govt’s request to include pension funds in revised debt servicing deal

    UTAG throws out govt’s request to include pension funds in revised debt servicing deal

    The government’s newest alternative offer to include pension funds in the current debt restructuring has been rejected by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).

    Government has said, the decision to include pension funds in the programme is aimed at alleviating the cash constraints on the government in the coming years, while fully compensating the Pension Funds for the value of their current holdings.

    But in a memo, UTAG said any move to add pension funds in the debt restructuring programme will overburden its already poor members.

    “We are still unable to participate in any intervention that would worsen the plight of the already impoverished Ghanaian University Lecturer. We therefore write to unequivocally reject the request to use our Pension Funds i.e GUSS, SSNIT and any other pension fund that affect our members for the new alternative proposed offer by government.”

    “his request by the government comes after organized labour fiercely rejected the inclusion of pension funds in the Domestic Debt Exchange programme.

    “We warn that governmental intransigence in this matter would not be countenanced as we are willing to fight to ensure that no one robs our members of their pensions funds”, UTAG added in its statement.

    What Finance Minister has been saying

    The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta had explained that the proposal has been “crafted to facilitate the execution of the MoU, addressing the Government financial needs while maintaining the value of the pension funds.”

    “The proposed offer entails exchanging your current holdings of Treasury Bonds, ESLA bonds and Daakye Bonds for a menu of the currently outstanding New Bonds (issued in February 2023 and maturing in 2027 and 2028 respectively. New Bond 2027 and New Bond 2028 featuring an average coupon of 8.4 % with a ratio of 1.15x, thus entailing an increase in patrimonial value.”

    “This complemented by an additional cash payment of 10% (strip coupon). The stream of coupons to be received as part of this proposal will therefore be 21% compared to the current 18.5% of the outstanding old bonds,” he added.

    He further indicated that “in 2023 and 2024, both instruments will pay 5% coupon in cash and the remainder will be capitalized into the nominal amount of the two bonds in order to comply with the cash constraints and the macro-framework defined under the programme with International Monetary Fund (IMF).”

    He says the alternative offer has been designed to “(i) achieve the same average maturity as pension funds current holdings of the old bonds (currently between 4 and 5 years), (ii) achieve a similar average coupon (currently at 18.5%) while(iii) alleviating the cash constraints for the government over the first two years.”

    The Finance Minister thus urged the Board of Trustees of pension funds to consider the proposal, indicating that “government is targeting to settle the offer by end of April 2023.”

  • Debt restructuring programme: Don’t touch our pension money, we worked for it  – UTAG warns govt

    Leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has joined contenders who are against the government’s debt exchange programme, and has issued a warning to the government to stay away from their pension funds.

    National Secretary of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, Dr. Asare Asante-Annor in a media engagement explained that “ our money should not be touched, pensions of our members and Ghanaians should not be affected because these are monies that they have legitimately contributed for their entire working lives”.

    Any attempt by the government to touch the pension fund, according to UTAG, would be met with strong opposition from the organization’s members.

    The government launched the Debt Exchange Programme on Monday, December 5, 2022, as part of measures to reduce the country’s debt burden. 

    During the launch, the finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta noted that debt sustainability analysis conducted so far shows indisputably that Ghana’s public debt was unsustainable, hence the need to take some structural and fiscal reforms.

    Dr Annor also called on the government to share the burden of the restructuring programme by reducing its size and expenditure.

    On his part, this is where the sharing of burdens begins.

    “We also ask the government to go ahead with measures that will also control their expenditure. We have a lot of local resources that we believe we should make efficient use of. We have also talked about reducing the size of government significantly so that we know that we all share the burden,” the secretary noted.

    A critical review of some government flagship programmes, according to Dr Annor, would also go a long way toward sustaining and restoring our capacity to service debt.

    A number of groups, such as the Ghana Medical Association, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Trade Union Congress, have already expressed their displeasure and voiced their rejection of the debt exchange programme.

    They believe it would be injurious to the interests of contributors to pension schemes.

    Ghana’s domestic debt exchange programme was launched on Monday to put the country’s debt on a sustainable path.

    The government would exchange its current domestic bonds for a group of four new ones that would mature in 2027, 2029, 2032, and 2037 as part of the programme, which runs from 2023 to 2037.

    The annual coupon on all of the coupons would be set to 0% in 2023, 5% in 2024, and 10% in 2025 until maturity as part of the exchange.

    This comes at a time when Ghana is facing a tough economic crisis amid an increasingly difficult global economic environment and the shock from the unpopular Russia-Ukraine war.

    As a result, the government has requested financial assistance from the IMF to help with fiscal and debt sustainability.

    Source: The Independent Ghana|

  • Debt exchange: Our money shouldn’t be touched – UTAG tells government

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned government not to touch their pension funds in the ongoing debt exchange programme.

    The Association said should government not heed their caution, it will not be taken it lightly.

    The National Secretary of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, Dr Asare Asante-Annor made this known in a media interview on Wednesday.

    According to him, it will not be right for pensioners to suffer for the financial irresponsibility of the government.

    “Our opinion is that our money should not be touched, pensions of our members and Ghanaians should not be affected as a result of the debt exchange programme because these are monies that they have legitimately contributed for their entire working lives, and they should be allowed to enjoy it while they are in pension,” Dr Asante-Annor said.

    Dr Asante-Annor however, urged the president to cut down the size of his government and save costs.

    According to him, that is where the first step of burden-sharing begins.

    “We also ask government to go ahead with measures which will also control their expenditure. We have a lot of local resources that we believe we should make use of it efficiently.

    “We have also talked about the size of government to be reduced significantly so that we know that we all share the burden.

    “Also, some of the flagship programmes will have to be looked at critically,” the National Secretary of UTAG advised.

    Government launched the Debt Exchange Programme on Monday as part of efforts to reduce the country’s debt burden.

    But since the announcement, a number of groups had publicly voiced their rejection of the programme.

    Groups such as the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and others have openly rejected the idea.

    According to them, the move will not auger well for their members.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Public university workers remain on strike after continued stalemate

    An attempt to get the striking public university workers union to rescind their decision could not be achieved at a meeting between the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the unions on Wednesday.

    According to the Secretary of the University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof. Ransford Gyampo, it was revealed at the meeting that the Finance Ministry has a key role to play in addressing their concerns.

    He added that the process may delay following the ongoing probe of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, following a motion of censure against the minister in Parliament.

    Speaking to Citi News after the engagement, Prof. Gyampo disclosed that the meeting has been rescheduled to be held in the next ten days.

    “We have brought this proposal to the National Labour Commission, and they have also sort of agreed that we should wait and go on with the discussion in the next 10 days.”

    The other unions on strike are the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).

    The strike by the four unions in public universities is in its sixth week.

    UTAG’s concerns, for example, are with the adjusted ex-pump rate of GHS10.99 being implemented to affect Vehicle Maintenance and Off-Campus Allowances.

    The union has complained that the agreed Conditions of Service of University Workers by the Employer were not being adhered to.

  • Government urges calm from labour unions amid strike threats

    The government is pleading with Labour Unions threatening strike to consider the current economic challenges before making demands.

    The University Teachers Association of Teachers, the Ghana Medical Association, the Universities Senior Staff Association among others have all declared intentions to strike over issues concerning their conditions of service.

    But speaking to Citi News, Deputy Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Bright Wereko-Brobby said the atmosphere is not conducive for strikes.

    “We are not in normal times, so I am pleading with all our labour unions including UTAG, including the Senior Staff Association and university administrators and all of those groups to bear with us,” he said.

    Amid the economic crisis, the government has faced calls for improved remuneration by organised labour.

    The government in July 2022  agreed on a 15 percent cost of living allowance for members of organised labour.

    The various worker unions, including the four teacher unions, the Ghana Medical Association, and the Public Sector Workers Union, among others, demanded the payment of 20 percent of their basic salaries as Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) due to the current economic situation in the country.

    Negotiations dragged on for over two weeks, compelling some unions to strike and insist on their demands.

    But after a crunch meeting, both parties came to a conclusion on a 15% COLA, took retrospective effect from July 1, 2022.

  • UTAG, 3 others declare indefinite strike

    Four tertiary labour unions will today October 17, 2022, begin a nationwide industrial action to press home their demand for better conditions of service.

    The unions are the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU), the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).

    In a statement signed by executives of the unions, it detailed that the strike has been occasioned by the government’s failure to honour fuel, vehicle maintenance and off-campus allowances.

    It recounted that following the union’s decision to embark on a strike on Thursday, October 13, 2022, over what it describes as a “blatant unilateral variation of agreed conditions of service in the face of hostile economic conditions”, the National Labour Commission intervened and ruled that “the parties to engage within one week on the terms of payment and other related matters”

    However, the government rather opted to establish a 10-member committee to address only issues about the ‘Off-campus allowance’ – a move which was rejected by the union leaders.

    The union leaders instead proposed enforcement of the 2022 adjusted fuel ex-pump rate of GH¢10.99. The meeting ended in a stalemate over the matter which has compelled the unions to declare an indefinite strike.

    “The NLC ruling stated that the meeting was for “… the parties to engage within one week on the terms of payment and other related matters …”. However, the Employer failed to present the “terms of payment” for the Vehicle Maintenance and Off-Campus Allowances, which are the main issues in contention, as directed by the NLC.

    “Rather, they suggested the formation of a 10-member committee to address only the Off-Campus Allowance. The leaders of the four (4) Labour Unions rejected the “suggestion” and rather pushed for enforcement of the 2022 adjusted fuel ex-pump rate of GH¢10.99, thus, the meeting ended in a stalemate

    “As a result of this development, we write to communicate that the intended strike action of all Labour Unions in the public universities in Ghana is to commence from Monday, 17th October 2022 as the Employer has, once again, failed to adhere to the directive of the NLC,” part of the statement read.

  • UTAG: Threatens strike action over conditions of service allowance

    In the event that the government does not reinstate their working conditions, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has vowed to withdraw its service.

    Professor Solomon Nunoo, the president of UTAG, says that the government’s refusal to meet their needs, such as the Book and Research allowance, has a continuing impact on how they carry out their responsibilities.

    UTAG together with the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU–GH), and the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA–UoG) at a press conference said;

    “This continued delay is causing unnecessary apprehension on the various campuses.

    “The employer should remember that we are in the new academic year, for which reason continuous delay in the payment is unacceptable.”

    They said the failure of the government to address this issue will compel them to withdraw their services.

    “We wish to state that the Ministry of Finance, through GTEC, should ensure that the conditions subsequent to the support of staff welfare in extricating them from economic hostilities will not disadvantage them relative to the Conditions of Service of members of Labour Unions in Public Universities.

    “We are by this Press Conference registering our displeasure on the directive and requesting that under no circumstance should Vice–Chancellors, through their Finance Directors, implement such by applying the Gh¢10.99 ex–pump approved rate ONLY to Fuel Allowance without considering Vehicle Maintenance and Off–Campus Allowances.

    “Failure to address these essential concerns will result in the possible total withdrawal of our services across all Public Universities in Ghana,” the statement read.

  • UTAG strike looms

    There are reports of growing agitation among University teachers following the high cost of living and what some describe as worsening conditions of service

    There is however uncertainty if the agitation is related to any possible breaches of pledges made after the nationwide action by all 15 public Universities in January this year which was called off after nearly two months.

    A communique sighted by myxyzonline indicates a joint press conference to be addressed by UTAG leadership and all Labour Unions in Public Universities, is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, 28th September, 2022.

    The event according to the notice shall take place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

    The agenda has been clearly spelt out, ‘Conditions of Service of University Workers’.

    The development comes as government meets representatives of the IMF on expenditure cuts and how to restructure the economy.

    General Secretary of the University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Ransford Yaw Gyampo, however, hinted at an imminent strike.

    In a write-up on social media he sarcastically spoke the minds of his peers as he commented on the booing of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Global Citizen Concert held at the Black Star Square in Accra.

    “We will speak against this act of disrespect against the President and the PRESIDENCY, regardless of how angry we are, and the fact that, we would even be leading labor once again to go on strike very shortly,” Professor Gyampo wrote.

    “Yes, we are hungry but we cannot eat with both hands when we find food. A few party appointees are enjoying, even in times of hardships, and are asking the rest of us to keep tightening our belt.”

    It will be recalled that on January 10 this year, all 15 public Universities embarked on an indefinite strike. That lasted till the first week of March, 2022 when they reluctantly called it off.

     

  • UTAG avails expertise of members to help government in IMF bailout talks

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has indicated its readiness to support the government with its technical expertise as latter prepares to engage the International Monetary Fund for a bailout programme.

    In a statement issued on July 4 an signed by its President, Professor Solomon Nunoo, the Association noted that its membership consisted of persons who are among the best and world-class experts across all sectors of the economy.

    Consequently, UTAG contends that the time has come for the country to make use of its local experts in addressing the economic challenges of the country, adding that “resorting to the IMF all the time is not a sustainable way of dealing with our country’s economic problems”.

    “As an Association whose membership includes some of the best and world-class experts across all sectors of our economy, we think that the time has come to comprehensively diagnose the root causes of the recurrent problems that always lead us to the IMF and proffer solutions that can permanently address the problems,” part of the statement read.

    “For inclusive and sustainable development in our country, UTAG believes we need homegrown policies developed by homebased experts and implemented by homebased practitioners,” it added.

    “We urge the President and Government to take advantage of the opportunity of going to the IMF this time round to make use of local experts to support the development of a comprehensive programme that will form the basis of all engagements with the IMF.

    “In this regard, UTAG is, by this statement, ready to provide technical backstopping support services to the government to analyse the policy options and develop the programme for effective and efficient engagement with the IMF,” the statement emphasized.

    Background

    President Akufo-Addo on July 1 ordered Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to commence formal engagements with IMF inviting the Fund to support an economic program put together by the government.

    The decision by the government has since generated a heated debate.

    Meanwhile, the IMF team is expected in Ghana on July 5 to begin the engagement process with government.

    Read UTAG Full Statement Below:

    Source:ghanaweb.com

     

  • Demo against UTAG strike postponed, organisers allege police intimidation

    The leadership of the Coalition of Concerned University Students (CCUS), have said they have decided to postpone their planned demonstration due to intimidation by the Ghana Police service.

    According to the students, the government, through the police has decided to frustrate their intended demonstration.

    A press statement shared by the CCUS said the police at the last minute decided to change the approved route for the demonstration with reason that protests on the roads pose a security threat.  

    “It was disclosed to leadership that the approved routes for the demonstration, after thorough deliberations by the command, may have to be changed on grounds that the public stands to be inconvenienced by the use of the road leading from Okponglo to the Jubilee House. Moreover, it is regarded as a national security threat to the nation. 

    “This sudden directive comes after an earlier police approval of the same route on the 7th of February 2022 at the Greater Accra Regional Police Command. It further indicated that refusal to comply with the directive, will compel the Police to arrest all demonstrators and conveners who will make an appearance,” the statement said.

    The coalition, further stated that it considers the position of the police an attempt to prevent the students from demonstrating.

    They also believe that changing the converging point and routes for the demonstration on such short notice will make the demonstration ineffective and therefore the need to postpone the demonstration to Thursday, February 10, 2022.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • UTAG strike will end soon – Education Minister

    Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, says government is working around the clock to resolve issues of conditions of service of University of Teachers Association of Ghana(UTAG) to get the members back to the classroom.

    “I will do everything possible to ensure we come to an amicable conclusion of the issue.

    “This will bring joy on the faces of students who are waiting eagerly to go back to the lecture halls and begin academic activities,” he said.

    The Minister gave the assurance on Friday in Accra when he met with “Vice-Chancellors Ghana” to discuss the impasse between the Government and UTAG.

    Dr Adutwum said the Ministry would soon engage the leadership of UTAG and bring finality to the issues.

    Professor Abednego Okoe Amartey, the Chairman of Vice-Chancellors Ghana, described the meeting as fruitful and appealed to the teachers to go back to the lecture halls while negotiations continued.

    A High Court in Accra (Labour Division) on February 3, 2022, urged the leadership of the NLC and UTAG to settle the industrial action impasse out of court.

    The court, presided over by Justice Frank Rockson Aboadwe, gave the NLC and UTAG up to February 10, 2022 to report back.

    The fifteen branches of UTAG, however, continued the industrial action despite the directive from the NLC.

    UTAG, on Monday, January 10, 2022, embarked on industrial action over “worsening” conditions of service.

    The National Labour Commission after hearing their case on Thursday, January 13, 2022, ruled that the strike be called off because it was illegal and did not follow due process.

    Source: GNA

  • UTAG strike: We won’t ‘budge’ even if pushed to the wall – Gyampo vows

    Secretary of the University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG), Professor Ransford Gyampo has indicated the resolve of the national association to press home their demand for better conditions of service.

    According to him, members of the association would not sit aloof whiles their conditions of service deteriorate and their source of livelihood is threatened.

    In a post on his social media timeline, the renowned Political Science lecturer indicated that although UTAG is law-abiding, it can also be tough.

    His comment comes on the back of a court case between UTAG and the National Labour Commission (NLC) in which the latter is seeking an interlocutory injunction and an order for UTAG to call off its strike action

    “UTAG, we are calm, respectful and law abiding. But like any human group, when pushed to the wall, we do not enter the wall. When our very source of livelihood is threatened, we cannot be meek. We can also be tough and resilient” Professor Gyampo wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday February 3.

    It will be recalled that UTAG embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike action on January 10 decrying what they described as worsening conditions of service of it members

    Amongst many demands the Association wants the 2013 Interim Market Premium (IMP) of 114% of Basic Salary restored.

    As the strike action enters its fourth week, public universities are at risk of being shut down due to no academic activity.

    Meanwhile, the National Labour Commission (NLC), has invited government and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to a meeting over the ongoing strike.

    This follows a High Court order on Thursday February 3 urging the NLC and UTAG resolve their impasse out of court.

    The meeting is slated for Monday, February 7, 2022, at 11: 00 am.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Public universities likely to be closed due to prolonged UTAG strike

    The prolonged strike by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) will likely cause all the public universities across the country to be closed down.

    There have been 21 days of no curriculum activities as UTAG continues its strike action, which is likely to affect the university calendar.

    Their strike action which the National Labour Commission has described as illegal will see the public universities close down as a provision in the regulations governing public universities states that where there are no teaching activities for 21 days after academic activities, the school must be closed down.

    The President of the University of Ghana branch of the Association, Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan noted that the decision by the court on the 3rd of February will give a clear indication of what will follow.

    The lecturers are pushing for better conditions, demanding entry-level salaries of more than ¢1200.

    “The decision to close down the university will be that of the management of the university. There is an underwritten rule that after 31 days into the commencement of lectures, if nothing happens, then the universities must shut down. 

    “The essence is of course because of the cost to the university. As for UTAG, we have been taken to court by the NLC and on Thursday we will make an appearance and that will determine the next line of action,” he explained.

    The strike by UTAG is to demand better conditions of service, which university teachers have been pursuing for years now.

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Public universities at risk of shutdown as UTAG strike enters third week

    Public Universities across the country could be shut down after 21-days of non-academic work following the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) strike.

    University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) embarked on a strike on January 10, and have been at it till now.

    According to UTAG, the strike action is in response to “the worsening Conditions of Service (CoS) of the University Teachers and the failure of the Employer in addressing the plight of UTAG members within the agreed timelines.”

    Despite meeting with leadership from UTAG and the National Labour Commission (NLC), UTAG has failed to call off its strike as the NLC described the strike action as illegal.

    By statutes, public universities must be closed down after 21 days of non-academic work.

    Also, academic work has stalled for barely a month since students reported to their respective campuses across the country.

    This is due to the nationwide industrial action by UTAG, which is already biting hard and having a toll on academic calendars and students alike.

    Among other things, UTAG wants government to reconsider the payment of its annual research allowance to a more realistic allowance “as this is critical to our research output, promotion and ultimately national development.”

    They also want the 2013 Interim Market Premium (IMP) of 114% of Basic Salary restored.

    According to UTAG, until their demands for improved conditions of service are met, they cannot call off the strike.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We are not fools – Gyampo descends on govt over UTAG conditions of service

    Prof Ransford Gyampo has descended on the government over its preference to pay Article 71 holders, benefits of over 70% but keep conditions of service for teachers at only 7%. 

    He explained that it is unacceptable that, for the people who put public service workers in office to be caretakers, they would rather want to overly make better their own conditions of service at the expense of those who actually own the monies. 

    The professor therefore called for equity to be exacted in these matters so as to promote industrial harmony, while stating that they will not sit down and allow this to go unchecked. 

    “Until we strive to achieve some level of equity in the conditions of service of Public Servants and Article 71 Office Holders, there would be no industrial harmony. U cannot give the owner of the money 7% and give the caretaker over 70%. We are not FOOLS,” he wrote on Facebook.

    In 2021, the government increased the salaries of public sector workers by 4% and 7% for 2021 and 2022 respectively, however, this has not gone down well with persons who draw their salaries from government coffers.

    The President of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), King Ali Awudu, argued that the current economic situation has rendered the increment inadequate.

    “Though the Unions for the Public Sector Workers through the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiations Committee (PSJSNC) agreed on 4% and 7% base pay increment for 2021 and 2022 respectively, the economic situation in the country as of now has necessitated the call to take a second look at the Base Pay. Since March this year, the conditions of our members (workers) and their purchasing power keep declining as a result of the difficult economic conditions in the country. 

    “Prices of goods and services are soaring, thus making the 7% base pay increment for next year already moot. In line with this, we call on the government to, as a matter of urgency, invite the leadership of Organised Labour, to sit and negotiate for a Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) for all public sector workers to ease the pain and suffering from the economic hardship teachers (workers) go through. We request that these negotiations should commence before the end of this year, so it can be completed before the 2023 negotiations begin in the first quarter of 2022,” he stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bawumia, three ministers were key to suspension of UTAG strike – Prof Gyampo reveals

    Professor Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department has revealed that the Vice President and three ministers were crucial to the decision by the University Teachers Association of Ghana, UTAG, to call off its industrial action that last weeks.

    According to the UG UTAG General-Secretary, Bawumia and Ministers of Education, Employment and National Security showed what he called ‘enough leadership behind the scenes.’

    In a Facebook post on August 22, 2021; barely 24-hours to the resumption of negotiations, he further tasked the quartet to continue to keep a keen interest in the month-long negotiation that starts today.

    “The Ministers for Education, Employment, National Security and the Vice President have shown enough leadership behind the scenes, in pushing for the suspension of the strike.

    “I respectfully wish to urge them to take a keen interest in the one month negotiation period and ensure that all stakeholders, but particularly, my people (University Teachers), come out satisfied and smiling,” his post read in part.

    He warned that failure to satisfy the concerns of UTAG will lead to: “a more deadly strike that elicits support from all labour unions in Ghana would hit all of us.

    “The current crop of UTAG leadership emerging (including my good self) are more socialized in the dogmas of mobilization and they know how to make an establishment ungovernable when necessary, to restore social equilibrium. But we do not need to get there. So, over to you, all duty-bearers in this one month period of negotiation,” he added.

    UTAG agreed to suspend their industrial action last week after it agreed to return to the negotiation table with the government. The National Labour Commission had to withdraw a suit against UTAG as part of the roadmap for negotiations.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed happiness at the suspension of the strike when he met with executives of the National Union of Ghana Students, NUGS.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • UTAG to suspend strike; demands withdrawal of court action

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is expected to suspend its strike following an agreement with the government to return to the negotiating table.

    The lecturers, according to a memorandum of understanding between them and the government, will suspend their industrial action if the National Labour Commission withdraws all legal action against them.

    UTAG began an indefinite industrial action last Monday over poor conditions of service and the failure of the government to resolve long-standing grievances.

    The association has been asking the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon with the government in 2012.

    The 2012 conditions of service pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42.

    The entry-level salary of a lecturer is less than GH¢2000 while a professor earns less than GH¢5000 monthly.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Court charges UTAG with GH¢3,000

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has been slapped with a charge of GH¢3,000 by the Labour Court 1 Division of the Accra High Court.

    According to a CitiNews report, the court surcharged UTAG for wasting its time.

    This comes after UTAG’s inability to complete its process before the hearing on Monday, August 16, 2021.

    The case has however been adjourned to Wednesday, August 19, 2021.

    The National Labour Commission (NLC) on Friday, August 6 secured an interlocutory injunction to compel UTAG to call off its industrial strike action.

    But members of UTAG continued with their strike asking the government to improve the condition of their service.

    The strike has resulted in the cancellation of the end of semester examinations of most state-owned universities.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Wider consultation on Public Universities Bill needed UG UTAG

    President of the University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan has welcomed the suspension of the Public University Bill.

    Speaking on TV3 Midday news on Thursday December 17 Dr. Nkumbaan said the Bill is unconstitutional and impracticable to apply in the universities.

    The government on Wednesday December 16 suspended the controversial Public Universities Bill.

    This followed a stakeholders meeting held by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on that day.
    After the meeting, which had in attendance representatives of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Vice-Chancellors Ghana (VCG), among others, the Chair of Education Committee, William Agyapong Quaittoo, addressed journalists.

    He said copies of the revised bill has been made available to all agitating stakeholders for their inputs for the House to resume consideration after all concerns are addressed.

    Dr Samuel Nkumbaan said “The reason why we wanted to bring this bill, has to do with the fact that, there is the need to harmonize administration structures as well as to whip in line with universities that have veered off with their original mandate.”

    “There is some financial issue regarding some of the offices of the universities and they are of the view that if these are reasons that are motivating the prorogation of a new law, then it is unnecessary, because we already have a mirage of legislature instrument. “

    Again, he added “The basic premise of wanting to harmonize all public universities under one bill, is floored on the grounds that, the universities are unique entities and that goes against that principles of constitutional uniqueness. The universities are allowed to innovate and be competitive in terms of knowledge generations.”

    “We are hoping with the current suspension of the bill, government will treat us with fate with engage of consultations that are necessary, particularly not UTAG only. We the stakeholders have submitted a memorandum for the suspension of the bill to the parliamentary select committee.

    “We will hold a meeting with all UTAG bodies in the various universities to make us think about what is in the bill and we will later announce to the public what our position will on the suspension.” He added.

    Source: 3 News

  • UTAG denies power struggle in COLTEK and CAGRIC

    Teachers in the Kumasi and Asante Mampong campuses of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) say they expect the President to appoint the Vice-Chancellor of the newly created University for Skills and Entrepreneurial Development from among qualified professors on the two campuses.

    According to them, there was no power struggle among the professors and lecturers in respect of the appointment of a Vice Chancellor for the Akenten Appiah-Minkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AA-USTED) as was being portrayed in a section of the media.

    The Teachers stated these at a press conference organized by the College of Technology Education in Kumasi (COLTEK) and the College of Agricultural Education Asante Mampong (CAGRIC) chapters of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Kumasi.

    Dr. Stephen Baffour Adjei, Chairman of UTAG-COLTEK, who spoke on behalf of the teachers at the conference, said “there is no slightest evidence of factionalism, power struggle, or administrative conflict whatsoever, by any stretch of the imagination, among the hardworking professors and lecturers of COLTEK and CAGRIC.

    Professors, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, staff and students of the two campuses have enjoyed a very cordial and collegial relationship spanning decades, and continue to do so on an even higher level under the able leadership of Professor Frederick Kwaku Sarfo and Professor James Kagya-Agyeman,” he stated.

    Dr Adjei pointed out that, one of the important considerations for governments all over the world to decide to grant a campus of a University an autonomy status, was that, the campus already had very good leadership, administrative and governance structure that it was using to expand the University in terms of infrastructure and programmes, as well as its unique contribution to national development.

    He said the two campuses that had now been converted into full-fledged autonomous University had existing and properly functioning leadership and administrative structures that were manned by qualified, competent and experienced full professors who had toiled and laboured to bring the campuses to a status that was now ready and worthy to be granted autonomy.

    Dr Adjei explained that appointing a Vice-Chancellor from the tried and tested existing academic and leadership structures of COLTEK and CAGRIC would consolidate the significant gains made in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education over the years and ensure that there was absolute peace and harmony on all the campuses of the university,

    Again, appointing a Vice-Chancellor and other key positions from among the deserving staff of COLTEK and CAGRIC would serve as a motivation to the hardworking academic and non-academic staff to work even harder because of the assurance of meritocracy that such an appointment would bring.

    Dr Adjei called on all academic and non-academic staff of COLTEK and CAGRIC to harness their intellectual and professional resources to contribute to the transformation of TVET education and the industrialization agenda of the government of Ghana.

    Source: GNA

  • Fumigate all tertiary campuses before reopening UTAG

    The University Teachers Associated of Ghana (UTAG) has asked the government to disinfect all campuses of universities and tertiary institutions across the country before reopening in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Acting General Secretary of UTAG Mark Korankye demanded also that personal protective equipment (PPEs) must be provided to students and lecturers in order to avert possible spike in the COVID-19 cases.

    This comes after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo revealed that continuing students of tertiary institutions which could not complete their studies online during the shutdown of schools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are to return on Monday, August 24.

    Among the institutions are University of Cape Coast (UCC), University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), some technical universities and other colleges.

    President Akufo-Addo said on Sunday, August 16 in an address to the nation that “after extensive stakeholder consultations, the decision has been taken for continuing students in these tertiary institutions to return to school on 24th August to finish their academic year”.

    Speaking to News 360 on TV3 Thursday, Mr Korankye said failure to fumigate and also provide the PPEs could lead to a spike in the cases.

    “The fumigation of lecture halls and residential halls has to be done. Provision of masks has to be [made], so that when academic life resumes nobody will be put at some danger of exposing life.”

    Source: 3 News

  • CDD joins opposition to Public Universities Bill

    The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), a governance think tank, has written to Parliament to express why the legislature should not pass the Public Universities Bill into law, a move they say will give the executive too much power in the management of public universities in the country.

    “It is the considered view of CDD that government has not made a case for this bill. If there are concerns about the governance of public universities, there are existing structures for dealing with them.

    The autonomy of public universities must be guarded to enable them meet their objectives and adapt to the ever-changing environment of learning,” the CDD said in a memorandum it submitted to the parliamentary committee on education.

    The controversial bill, according to government, seeks to harmonise the governance, administration, and accountability structures of public universities.

    The think tank said the justification for the bill that the Auditor-General has cited public universities for grave improprieties in the utilisation of resources almost every year is hardly supported with evidence.

    “It is also hardly enough basis for the enactment of a new law to regulate public universities. Assuming without admitting that this claim is true, there is sufficient existing law to punish or deter the offending officials who have mismanaged public funds or continue to perpetrate same,” it said.

    The think tank cited the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29), which contains a number of offences including causing financial loss to the state. It also argued that the Attorney-General under Article 88(3) of the 1992 Constitution is vested with prosecutorial powers to prosecute persons for stated financial impropriety.

    It added that the Auditor-General is also clothed with powers under Article 187(7) of the Constitution to disallow expenditure which is contrary to law and surcharge persons responsible for incurring or authorising the expenditure.

    It said the solution to the alleged grave improprieties in the utilisation of resources is to enforce existing laws and make the prosecutorial and accountability systems work.

    “If any of these existing laws—including those establishing the various public universities—are problematic, the relevant sections must be amended. The availability of the aforementioned existing laws practically renders the objective of this bill redundant.”

    The CDD said government has supplied no justification or evidence to support the claim that public universities have “veered away” from their roles or objectives.

    “Assuming without admitting that this claim is true, it speaks to the abdication of the responsibility of the regulators in ensuring that public universities stick to their objectives and roles. There is no indication that the existing law establishing various public universities is the root cause of this to justify the need for a new law. If the existing law is not the problem, there is no need to replace it,” it added.

    It said the regulators in the education sector must therefore perform their mandate instead of seeking to enact a new law which vests excessive powers in the management of universities in the executive arm of government.

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), also in a memorandum to the education committee, stated that the bill has the potential to stifle individual freedom by preventing individuals from speaking or acting without fear or favour if their appointments are to be regulated by the President through the University Council.

    Source: thebusiness24online.net

  • UTAG submits recommendations for Public University Bill

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) after examining the Public university Bill, 2020 have submitted a 25 paged memorandum for the consideration of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education.

    The memorandum is to ensure that the governance, administration and accountability structures of public universities are appropriately harmonised without tampering with the autonomy and education freedoms of the Public Universities.

    “Therefore, UTAG took into consideration the best practices as captured in the existing Acts and Statutes, and inputs from the ten (10) Branches of UTAG in arriving at this memorandum.”

    Earlier, stakeholders in the education sector strongly pushed against the bill saying it could potentially grant the Ministry of Education overreaching powers to interfere in activities of universities across the country.

    And that would take away academic freedom and the autonomy of public universities under the guise of harmonising activities.

    But, the Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Education, Mr Ekow Vincent  Assafuah explained that the draft bill was particularly necessary, as some of the laws governing the public universities were outmoded.

    He encouraged stakeholders to put their concerns on paper, rather than just making comments on social media and traditional media.

    In that vein the UTAG has submitted the memorandum hoping it will be “given the importance it deserves.”

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • UEW UTAG polls: Avoke supporters Jinapor, Kaakyire Duku defeated

    The University of Education-Winneba (UEW) chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has elected new executives to lead the group.

    The keenly contested election saw all old executives losing their positions to new members.

    Notable names among the old executives are Dr. Frimpong Duku and Dr Ahmed Jinapor who have been at the forefront in their quest to restore the sacked Vice Chancellor Prof. Mawutor Avoke to his position.

    UTAG fears disruptions in UEW academic calendar over chaos

    The Former President Dr. Kaakyire Duku lost his position to Mr. Eric Sakyi of the History Department who polled 174 votes against 124 by Dr. Frimpong Duku.

    Dr. Ahmed Jinapor also lost in the vice presidential bid to Dr. Mavis Amo-Mensah who polled 175 votes against 128 obtained by Dr. Jinapor.

    The secretaryship race also saw Pascal Kpodo defeating Ali Muhammad as he polled 180 votes against 123 by Ali Muhammad while Dr. Ebenezer Amanor-Lartey won the treasurer slot by 157 votes as against 147 obtained by her contender Mrs. Elizabeth Lani Ashong.

    PURC storms GRIDCo & Pokuasi construction site over power outages

    The results is expected to bring an end to the division at the front of the lecturers following the legal tussles between the Mawutor Avoke administration and that of Prof. Afful-Broni with lecturers taking sides.

    The new President of the UEW branch of UTAG , Eric Nketia has pledged his commitment in fostering proper reconciliation on the teaching front to support sound teaching and learning while again pushing for better conditions for the lecturers.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh