Academic and administrative activities at Ghana’s public universities have come to a halt following the launch of an indefinite strike by three major unions: the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG).
The strike, which began today, was announced during a press conference in Accra. Union leaders cited the government’s failure to honor a binding agreement signed six months ago, aimed at improving working conditions for university staff.
“This painful but necessary step follows numerous attempts at dialogue,” said Mr. George Ansong, National Chairman of SSA-UoG. “We have faced persistent inaction from the government despite our good-faith efforts.”
According to the unions, the government has repeatedly ignored follow-up communications and deadlines, even after multiple extensions were granted to allow for a resolution. The agreement in question, they argue, was a product of mutual negotiation and is legally binding.
Mr. Ansong stressed that the strike is not intended as an act of hostility but as a last resort to confront what he described as a “systemic culture of broken promises.” He added, “We have exhausted all available avenues for resolution.”
Union leaders acknowledged the potential disruption to academic calendars and university operations but placed full responsibility on the government for failing to fulfill its commitments. “We will not return to work until the government lives up to its end of the agreement,” they declared.
The unions are calling on civil society groups, the media, and the general public to support their cause and help pressure the government to act in good faith.
