Three major university unions in Ghana have issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate release of the exchange rate and commencement of payments for the Book and Research Allowance (BRA), or risk nationwide strike action.
In a joint press release issued on Monday, June 9, 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) expressed deep frustration over what they described as “undue delay” by the government in releasing the necessary exchange rate for the BRA payments.
The unions warned that failure to act by Thursday, June 13, 2025, would be considered a formal strike notice.
According to the unions, a meeting held on June 8, 2025, resulted in a unanimous resolution demanding urgent government action. While they acknowledged the already late release of the rates, they firmly stated that they would not accept any further extension of payments beyond September 2025.
They emphasized that the BRA is a statutory entitlement enshrined in their Conditions of Service and described it as essential for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing.
The unions, represented by UTAG President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, TUTAG President Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh, and CETAG President Mr. Maxwell Bunu urged the government to act swiftly to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar and to prioritize the welfare of educators and the broader academic community.
