TUTAG declares indefinite strike over unpaid post-retirement contracts

The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has declared an indefinite strike, effective October 1, 2026, due to the government's failure to address two major labor issues. At a press conference at Ho Technical University, National President Prof. Deodat E. Adenutsi announced the decision after months of unsuccessful negotiations with government agencies.

The strike stems from two primary concerns: unpaid post-retirement contracts for some TUTAG members and a unilateral alteration of the agreement on academic service conditions.

The association has been vocal about unpaid remuneration for retired staff members, who have been waiting for over 27 months without receiving their due pay. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue through meetings and formal correspondence with government bodies such as the Ministries of Education and Finance, GTEC, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the National Labour Commission, no satisfactory solution has been found.

The tragic consequence of this delay is the death of some affected colleagues, highlighting the severe impact of unpaid wages.

TUTAG also accuses government agencies of arbitrarily changing the agreed Scheme of Service on October 8, 2021, without proper consultation. This alteration has led to confusion and uncertainty, particularly concerning the eligibility for academic librarian status and the conditions of service and remuneration parity for librarians.

The association demands a clear and written payment timetable, including for deceased colleagues through their lawful representatives, as well as a resolution of classification discrepancies and the payment of market premium and arrears.

Additionally, TUTAG objects to the requirement set forth by GTEC that a completed PhD be obtained before assistant lecturers or assistant research fellows can be re-designated as lecturers or research fellows. The association argues that the 2021 Scheme only necessitates PhD enrolment along with service, teaching performance, and publication criteria.

Prof. Adenutsi announced that all TUTAG members will immediately cease providing teaching, supervision of students' research, and submission of examination marks in solidarity with the strike. However, members will continue to engage in other professional duties, such as attending meetings, serving on boards/committees, conducting research, and rendering community service.

The association acknowledges the disruption caused by the strike but emphasizes its responsibility to advocate for the conditions that allow its members to teach, research, and serve their institutions with dignity.