George Ansong flanked by other executives
Senior staff in public universities across the country declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective yesterday, in protest against the government’s failure to honour a long-standing agreement on improved conditions of service.
The industrial action, jointly declared by the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical Universities Administrators Association of Ghana (TUWAG), and the Federation of University Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSAG), is expected to severely disrupt administrative and support functions in tertiary institutions.
At a news conference in Accra, the leadership of the unions said the decision was taken with deep regret but unwavering resolve after exhausting all available avenues for dialogue.
The unions accused both the current and previous administrations of failing to implement the terms of a six-month-old agreement aimed at addressing critical welfare issues, including delayed salaries, pension contributions, and improved working conditions.
“This difficult decision comes after countless engagements and goodwill efforts extended to the government, which have unfortunately been met with persistent inaction, neglect, and blatant failure to honour the terms of our duly signed agreement six months ago,” said George Ansong, National Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana.
According to Mr. Ansong, the government has repeatedly reneged on its commitments despite several rounds of negotiations and the unions’ decision to extend deadlines in good faith.
“The government has continuously reneged on its commitment, thereby undermining the trust and cooperation that should exist between both parties,” he noted.
He emphasised that the strike is not politically motivated but stems from growing frustration over the government’s failure to act on issues that directly affect the livelihoods and dignity of university staff.
Until their demands are met, the leadership has directed all members nationwide to stay away from work.
The decision is expected to affect essential services such as admissions processing, examinations coordination, records keeping, and other administrative operations vital to the functioning of the universities.
Mr. Ansong called on the government to take urgent steps to resolve the matter, warning that the indefinite strike would continue until all outstanding issues are addressed satisfactorily.
By Ernest Kofi Adu