In a scathing indictment of government authorities, the University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG), has released a statement condemning what it perceives as a lackadaisical and contemptuous approach to negotiations regarding the Condition of Service (CoS) for academic staff in the various public universities.
The statement, signed by the University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG) President, Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, not only criticized the unilateral variation of agreements to the detriment of labour but also warned of potential joint industrial action that could shut down public universities in Ghana.
The statement began by lamenting the unfortunate scenario where those entrusted with overseeing labour welfare allegedly pay mere lip service to agreements, acting irresponsibly and contravening the law by unilaterally altering the condition of service without prior discourse.
Professor Gyampo emphasized the cruelty and inhumanity of such actions, particularly in relation to Tier 2 pensions, where clear guidelines on deduction and payment protocols exist.
According to him, the failure to follow due process, as highlighted, not only impacts individuals’ pensions but also results in despondency upon retirement.
“It is rather unfortunate that people entrusted with authority to oversee the welfare of labour act irresponsibly by paying lip service to agreements reached and unilaterally varying CoS to the disadvantage of labour without prior discourse, in blatant contravention of the law”.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo
Furthermore, Professor Ransford Gyampo indicated that the University Teachers Association of Ghana, the University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG) is not content with merely expressing its dissatisfaction against the government, but however, it is contemplating its course of action regarding its condition of service, echoing a sentiment of discontent shared by other labour unions.
Professor Gyampo further recounted that the University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana is likely to follow suit in seeking redress for what it perceives as a lack of respect and unwillingness by the government to address pertinent labour concerns.
UTAG-UG Admonishes Government Against The Misuse Of State Powers
Moreover, the statement underscored the association’s refusal to be cajoled by the government any longer, accusing it of attempting to use the coercive powers of the state to intimidate, harass, and quell labour agitations without addressing the core issues at hand.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG) went further to express its intention to join sister unions in positive defiance against any perceived attempt to use state institutions to suppress legitimate labour actions.
The Association thus called on the government to address labour demands and further urged the government to refrain from what it describes as the usual ‘unseriousness’, ‘contempt’, ‘mediocrity’, and ‘propaganda” approach that the government often adopt on matters of conditions of service.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG) also admonished state institutions to exercise circumspection in their duties and warned against unfair and intimidating tactics that may disrupt industrial peace and harmony.
“We urge the Government to do the needful to halt the fast-worsening CoS of labour, and the possibility of joint industrial action that could shut down public universities in Ghana. We urge state institutions to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties”.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo
The concluding plea in the statement urged the government to take swift action to halt the fast-worsening condition of service situation, emphasizing the potential consequences for public universities in Ghana.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter underscored its commitment to resisting any unfair treatment, indicating that the use of such tactics would only lead to resistance and disruption of industrial peace.
As the standoff between academic staff and the government intensifies, the possibility of a joint industrial action looms large, leaving the fate of the academic calendar hanging in the balance.
The statement serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a fair and just resolution to address the grievances of academic staff and prevent further disruptions to the education sector in Ghana.
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