The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) has issued a stern warning, declaring a potential strike if the government does not fulfill its obligation to clear the long-standing Tier-2 contributions by January 15, 2024.
The association revealed that these payments, pending since February 2023, have yet to be settled by the government, despite an initial agreement.
During the SSA-UoG’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at CKT-UTAS in Navrongo, it was disclosed that the government’s failure to pay contributions persisted despite previous agreements.
The association expressed disappointment, citing historical instances where the government deliberately delayed payments and even refused to pay Tier-2 contributions between 2010 and 2016.
“Historically, the Government on several occasions has failed to pay contributions on time to the Board of Trustees for effective management. It will be recalled that between 2010 and 2016, the Government deliberately refused to pay members’ Tier-2 contributions.
“When the leadership of SSA-UoG requested that the Government pay the three percent penalty (by the Pensions Act) on the amount which could have given us over Two Hundred Million Ghana Cedis, they refused and instead used simple interest rates to calculate which gave us Fifty-One million Ghana Cedis.”
SSA-UoG
The statement issued by SSA-UoG demanded the government urgently pays all outstanding debt and contributions.
“Government as a matter of urgency pay all outstanding debt/contributions together with the appropriate interest from February to December 2023 using the three percent penalty rates as stipulated by the Pension’s Act, Act 766 section 64.”
SSA-UoG
The NEC meeting highlighted the government’s refusal to comply with pension laws, raising concerns about the financial welfare of its members. The government’s failure to apply the mandated three percent penalty interest led to the intervention of the National Labour Commission (NLC), currently reviewing the matter.
The association emphasized the detrimental impact on retirees from 2020 to 2023, who were denied their rightful lump sums, and faced financial hardship in their retirement. The SSA-UoG accused the government of disregarding the welfare of university senior staff and pensioners.
Adding to their grievances, the SSA-UoG expressed dissatisfaction with directives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) instructing university management to cut overtime allowances for weekend and holiday work. These directives were deemed contrary to the Labour Act and agreed-upon Conditions of Service.
The association urged university management to resist the directives from FWSC and GTEC, emphasizing the need to uphold existing collective agreements. The SSA-UoG has set a deadline, warning that if the government fails to address its concerns by January 15, 2024, it will be compelled to withdraw its services across all university campuses.
Students at University of Energy and National Resource
The looming strike threat by the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) over unpaid Tier-2 contributions could have far-reaching consequences for both university staff and the broader academic landscape. If the government fails to meet the January 15, 2024 deadline, it risks disrupting essential university services, hindering the normal functioning of academic institutions.
Such strikes not only jeopardize the financial stability of university staff, including those already in retirement, but also compromise the quality of education. Faculty members, key to academic excellence, may find their morale dampened, affecting their commitment to teaching and research. The potential withdrawal of services across all university campuses could lead to the suspension of critical academic activities, creating a ripple effect on students’ academic progress.
Moreover, the strike threat highlights systemic issues within the pension system, pointing to a recurring problem that demands a comprehensive solution. The government must address these concerns promptly to avert the negative consequences of a strike, ensuring the stability of both university staff and the education sector as a whole. Effective communication and resolution are crucial to maintaining a conducive academic environment.
