The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) says its letter to the National Labour Commission (NLC) to embark on strike after Friday, August 24 still stands despite reports that funds have been released for the payment of the 2017/2018 book and research allowances.
UTAG had written to the Commission after the Ministry of Finance appeared to display what some members described as a “lackadaisical attitude” following efforts by the Ministry of Education to have the allowances paid.
There are reports, however, that funds have finally been released by the Ministry of Finance.
But speaking on TV3’s Midday Live on Wednesday, President of UTAG Dr Eric Opoku Mensah pointed out that no individual member has received payment for the allowances.
He confirmed that some campuses have, however, received cheques for payment but are yet to clear those cheques.
“Therefore, we are waiting that these cheques are cleared.”
He stressed that “until then, everything stands”.
UTAG had earlier given government a July 31, 2018 deadline to pay the arrears but had to extend it to Friday, August 24 after back-and-forth discussions with stakeholders.
Dr Opoku Mensah indicated that if the cheques do not clear, the strike will be activated and the 2018/2019 academic year definitely disrupted.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana