University Teacher Unions demand immediate payment of Book and Research Allowance

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have issued a strong statement demanding the urgent release of the exchange rate and payment of the Book and Research Allowance (BRA) for the 2025 academic year.

In a joint press release dated June 9, 2025, the unions expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they describe as an “undue delay” in the release of the exchange rate, which has subsequently stalled payments of the BRA. The delay, according to the unions, is causing serious uncertainty and frustration among members who rely on the allowance for critical academic and research work.

“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment. This delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.” The statement read

The decision follows a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, where union leaders resolved not to accept any further extension of payment timelines beyond September 2025. They disclosed that the Book and Research Allowance is not a privilege but a statutory right under their Conditions of Service, essential for promoting research, teaching, and academic knowledge sharing.

The unions warned that failure by the government to honor the June 13 deadline will be treated as an official strike notice, triggering industrial action across all affected campuses.

The statement was jointly signed by:

• Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, UTAG National President

• Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG National Secretary

• Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh, TUTAG President

• Mr. Samuel Jabez Arkaiffe, TUTAG General Secretary

• Mr. Maxwell Bunu, CETAG National President

• Mr. Fidelis Kamaayi, CETAG National Secretary

Below is the full release.

Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment. This delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.

At a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, we, the undersigned unions, unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members. Despite the late release of the rates, we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing.

We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.

We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritized.

END

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net