The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has maintained its nationwide strike, continuing despite a meeting with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Monday, a move that has sparked further discussion regarding the dispute between the union and the government. The union leadership has stipulated a 48-hour period for members to consult before deciding whether to suspend the industrial action, a decision that has been met with cautious optimism from some observers. The meeting, held between representatives of GAUA, the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG), Vice-Chancellors Ghana, and the Education Ministry, focused on a range of grievances, including salary adjustments, market premium disparities, job evaluation, and staff placement issues. Specifically, the unions are demanding a substantial increase in compensation, enhanced market premium rates, and a re-evaluation of retirement arrangements. Mr. Iddrisu has expressed his desire for a one-month period to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to resolving the issues and preventing further disruption to university operations. GAUA Secretary Charles Aidoo stated that while the meeting facilitated a crucial dialogue, the members’ demands for immediate action are now intensifying. He added that previous engagements had failed to yield tangible results, fueling frustration among the union members. The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed senior management officials to return to work, directing Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Directors of Finance, Directors of Internal Audit, Directors of Health Services, and other executive positions to return to work immediately. The directive follows a recent assessment of the situation, with the GTEC citing concerns about senior management’s involvement in industrial action. The strike has already resulted in disruptions at several public universities, with UHAS and other institutions temporarily suspending scheduled examinations. GAUA has raised concerns about the integrity of examinations, questioning the procedures being followed and highlighting instances of irregularities. The union has indicated a desire to communicate its position to the Minister following the consultation period, indicating a cautious approach to the situation. The government and university administrators are currently working to find a resolution, with the directive from the GTEC remaining in effect until the end of the 48-hour consultation period. The situation remains fluid, with the strike’s duration and potential for resolution contingent on the members’ response to the Minister’s call for a collaborative solution.
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Source: Adom Online
