Education Minister engages university administrators over ongoing strike

Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, met with university administrators to discuss the ongoing strike by administrative and professional staff. The discussions centered on several key topics: salary adjustments, market premiums, job evaluation, staff equivalences, conditions of service, outstanding allowances, retirement arrangements, and staff placement.

Iddrisu urged the union to end the strike and resume talks, promising to involve the Ministry of Finance, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and other relevant bodies to resolve the concerns. The union emphasized the need for a new job evaluation to ensure remuneration reflects the current responsibilities of university employees.

They also called for addressing the one-time research allowance and the implementation of negotiated salary adjustments as a market premium. The Minister assured the union that the government would pay the allowance, pending validation of beneficiary data by April 24, 2026. Prof. Anamoah clarified that staff equivalences were established to recognize the diverse roles of university staff, not to create a hierarchy.

Concerns were raised about step-down arrangements and staff placement, especially for senior officers, and the impact on salaries and pensions. The strike's effect on university activities, such as admissions and administration, was also highlighted. University management appealed to striking staff to return to work while negotiations proceed, warning of potential disruptions to the academic calendar.

Iddrisu called for restraint and dialogue, emphasizing the goal of resolving the issues through peaceful negotiations. Both Iddrisu and the union leaders deemed the meeting positive, but confirmed the strike would continue. They promised to consult members and present the outcome within 48 hours.