GAUA’s strike is surprising because we signed an MoU – Fair Wages CEO

Dr. George Smith-Graham, CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), expressed surprise over the ongoing strike by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties. Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Dr. Smith-Graham stated that salary negotiations with GAUA had been completed and the association had been compensated, but the Commission agreed to review new proposals to address its salary disparities concerns.

The FWSC chief attributed GAUA's decision to continue striking to the perception that the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) had secured more favorable terms in its negotiations with the government. Dr. Smith-Graham explained that GAUA became dissatisfied upon learning that UTAG had negotiated better conditions and believed they had been treated unfairly.

He further revealed that GAUA representatives visited his office a week prior, signing an MoU to continue discussions on their concerns. Dr. Smith-Graham confirmed that the agreement to consider further proposals did not cancel out the earlier negotiations and that the commission was willing to examine GAUA’s proposals, responding by the end of October.