Tensions are mounting within Ghana’s tertiary education sector as three major unions representing academic staff have jointly issued a strong warning to the government over delays in releasing the exchange rate and payment of the Book and Research Allowance (BRA).
In a press release dated June 9, 2025, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) expressed their deep concern and dissatisfaction with what they described as an “undue delay” in the disbursement of the allowance. According to the unions, the hold-up has caused “significant uncertainty and frustration” among their members, many of whom rely on the BRA to support their academic research and professional development.
The unions, after a joint meeting held on June 8, unanimously resolved that the government must urgently release the exchange rate and initiate the payment process. While they acknowledged the late release of the rates, they made it clear that any extension of payments beyond September 2025 would not be tolerated.
“This allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” the statement read.
The unions have given the government a deadline of June 13, 2025, to begin the payment process. Failure to comply, they warned, would result in a formal strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses nationwide.
The leadership of the three unions — including UTAG President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, TUTAG President Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh, and CETAG National President Mr. Maxwell Bunu — jointly signed the press release, urging the government to act swiftly to avoid disruption to the academic calendar and to prioritize the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community.
As the June 13 deadline approaches, the academic sector and students alike are bracing for the government’s response in hopes of averting yet another round of industrial action.
