GTEC Accuses University Senior Staff of Engaging in an ‘Illegal’ and ‘Bad Faith’ Strike

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has voiced its deep concern and disappointment over the decision by the Senior Staff Associations of the Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike. GTEC emphasized that the decision to resort to industrial action is both unexpected and regrettable, particularly considering ongoing efforts to address the issues raised by the unions.

The indefinite strike, which was declared on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, involves not only the SSA-UoG but also the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG). These groups have come together to press for the implementation of specific agreements they claim were reached with the government six months ago but have yet to be fulfilled.

In response, GTEC released a public statement on May 22, 2025, expressing that prior to the announcement of the strike, there had been several attempts by relevant authorities to engage with the associations and resolve their grievances amicably. GTEC noted that these efforts included formal communication from the National Labour Commission (NLC), which wrote to the SSA-UoG on May 13, 2025, inviting them and other stakeholders to a meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025. This step was aimed at fostering dialogue and preventing the escalation of the dispute.

Additionally, the Senior Staff Association met with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on May 19, 2025. During this meeting, officials from the FWSC reportedly reassured the association that all necessary measures were being taken to fulfill the terms of the agreement and address their concerns in a timely manner.

GTEC further revealed that it had also sent an invitation to the SSA-UoG for a separate meeting scheduled for May 23, 2025. The purpose of this meeting was to provide yet another platform to resolve outstanding issues through constructive engagement. The Commission stressed that such initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment on the part of the government and stakeholders to find a fair resolution.

Moreover, GTEC highlighted that even the Minister of Education had previously met with the association in April and had assured them that their concerns would be dealt with effectively. These assurances, combined with multiple planned and completed meetings, make the declaration of the strike appear both abrupt and unwarranted.

Given these circumstances, GTEC finds the strike action not only premature but also indicative of “bad faith” on the part of the SSA-UoG. The Commission described the action as “illegal,” arguing that the unions failed to exhaust all available avenues for peaceful resolution before resorting to such measures.

In conclusion, GTEC strongly urged the SSA-UoG and its allied associations to immediately call off the strike and return to the negotiation table. The Commission reiterated its readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue and reiterated that collaboration, rather than confrontation, is the best path forward to addressing the concerns of senior university staff in Ghana.