President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof Solomon Nunoo, has expressed the Association’s resolve to resume its strike action should government renege on its commitment to address its concerns.
He revealed that members of the Association are disgruntled over the situation and will go to great extent to ensure an improvement in its conditions of service. Speaking at a press conference held today, February 22, 2022, Prof Nunoo explained that university lecturers expect the government to fulfil its end of the bargain, especially considering the involvement of some key individuals in the negotiation process.
“We know that the government has not fulfilled its part of the bargain in many signed agreements in the recent past; however, due to the involvement of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and other eminent persons, we expect the government to carry through its promises this time round. We’ll however not hesitate to resume the suspended strike should government renege on its commitment at the end of the stipulated period of negotiation. We call on the government to take advantage of this window to help improve the salary and general working conditions of the university teacher”.
Prof Solomon Nunoo
UTAG announced a suspension of its strike due to an emergency meeting held by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday February 21, 2022, to evaluate its strike action. UTAG’s decision followed an Accra High Court order which requested lecturers to return to work to allow negotiations to be completed.
Improvement in conditions of service for lecturers
Following this, Prof Nunoo called on the government to see to the implementation of the several agreements that have been signed in recent times. He expressed optimism that the employer would follow through with its plans and ensure to do the needful to improve the general working conditions of university teachers.
“We call on all members of UTAG to rally behind leadership and remain calm and resolute at this important phase of our history. In many forums, the employer has agreed with stakeholders that there is the need to improve the conditions of service of university teachers”.
Prof Solomon Nunoo
Prior to this, the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) agreed in principle to call off the seven-week long strike after meeting with the Education Committee of Parliament. The meeting had in attendance the leadership of UTAG, Fair Wages, Minister for Education and Minister for Employment and Labour Relations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has welcomed the suspension of the strike by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
Speaking on the matter, the Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng, noted that the government remains committed to addressing the issues.
“Let me take the opportunity to once again commend the lecturers for the demonstration of goodwill in suspending the strike. As for the government side, particularly the Ministry of Education, we remain committed to engaging the leadership of UTAG as per the road map that has been developed by the parties at resolving the impasse amicably. So, it’s a step in the right direction, and we believe that the parties will resolve whatever outstanding issues as soon as possible”.
Kwasi Kwarteng
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