Members of the University for Development Studies (UDS) chapter of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) have declared an indefinite strike, effective Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in protest against the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for halting the payment of office holding allowances.
At a press briefing earlier today, GAUA-UDS leadership described GTEC’s decision as unilateral and unfair, impacting over 100 university administrators. The strike stems from GTEC’s sudden reversal of a previously approved restructuring of directorates within UDS, which included designated headship roles and corresponding allowances.
The restructuring was approved in September 2023 by then Acting Deputy Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor-Abdulai, and implemented by UDS based on GTEC’s own guidance. However, on April 28, 2025, GTEC directed the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to cease payment of the allowances—without any prior engagement with GAUA or the affected staff.
GAUA-UDS argues this move breaches existing conditions of service and undermines principles of transparency and stakeholder dialogue.
“It is ironic and deeply troubling that the same GTEC which approved these roles following stakeholder consultations has now unilaterally revoked the allowances,” GAUA-UDS stated.
They emphasized the immediate financial strain on their members, noting that about 108 administrators have been affected, many of whom are now struggling to meet financial obligations.
In response, GAUA-UDS convened an emergency meeting on Monday, May 26, and resolved to withdraw all services until their demands are addressed. These include:
- Full restoration of the withdrawn office holding allowances
- Payment of all withheld May 2025 allowances
- Establishment of a ministerial committee to develop a long-term framework for office holding roles and related conditions of service
“This is not just about allowances,” the union emphasized, “but about fairness, respect for agreements, and the sustainability of university governance.”
GAUA-UDS concluded by stating unequivocally that the strike will continue until the directive is reversed, payments are restored, and meaningful dialogue is initiated. The strike is expected to severely impact administrative and management operations across UDS campuses until a resolution is reached.
Source:Fiilafmonline/3News
