The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is calling on the government to urgently reconstitute the governing councils of all public universities, emphasizing that the absence of these bodies is crippling effective governance and slowing down critical decision-making processes.
In a communiqué issued following its 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, UTAG stressed that the current vacuum in leadership is significantly hampering the operations of public universities. According to the association, without governing councils, universities are unable to approve key policies, make timely appointments, or implement development initiatives—challenges that directly impact academic excellence and institutional progress.
“Immediate action to restore these councils will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and foster a conducive environment for teaching, research, and learning,” the communiqué stated.
Push for National Research Fund Activation
UTAG also renewed its appeal to the government—through the Ministry of Education—to fast-track the operationalisation of the long-promised National Research Fund. The association highlighted the Fund’s crucial role in bolstering research capacity and output within Ghana’s tertiary institutions.
“NEC urges the government to commit initial seed funding to ensure the prompt commencement of the Fund’s activities,” the statement added, stressing the urgency of supporting innovative academic work that addresses national development needs.
UTAG-NPRA Engagement on GUSSS Scheme
As part of ongoing efforts to secure the welfare of university staff, UTAG NEC held a strategic engagement with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to deliberate on issues concerning the Ghana Universities Staff Superannuation Scheme (GUSSS). The GUSSS, established in 1961/62 for senior university staff, is currently under review to ensure greater regulatory compliance and enhanced operational effectiveness.
UTAG urged stronger collaboration between NPRA and university management to streamline the scheme and protect the long-term benefits of its members.
Implementation of Conditions of Service for Academic Staff
UTAG further called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Ministry of Education, the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), and Vice Chancellors Ghana to expedite the full implementation of the codified Conditions of Service for Senior Academic Members.
NEC expressed particular concern over the continued non-payment of the Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) to Research Fellows and Librarians—who, though integral members of the academic community, are being excluded from this entitlement. UTAG described the exclusion as unfair, especially since these staff members also fulfill the tripartite mission of teaching, research, and community service.
The NEC demanded the immediate rectification of this inequity and called for the inclusion of all eligible academic staff in both OTSA and research allowance payments.
Concerns Over Study Leave and Other Entitlements
In addition, UTAG highlighted grievances regarding the non-restoration of certain allowances for members on approved study leave with pay. Referring to Section 4.2.5.1.8 of the Human Resource Policy Framework and Manual, NEC insisted that academic staff on study leave, secondment, and sabbatical must receive their full salary entitlements without further delay.
The association warned that failure to address these longstanding issues could trigger industrial unrest. UTAG also urged GTEC to collaborate closely with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to ensure full compliance by public universities.
Call for Stakeholder Engagement on GTEC Certificate Verification System
Lastly, UTAG called for broader stakeholder consultations to accelerate the development and deployment of the GTEC Online Certificate Verification System. The system, once fully implemented, is expected to streamline the authentication of academic credentials and enhance the integrity of Ghana’s higher education sector.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
