The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned that it could embark on a nationwide strike from Monday, June 15, if the Ministry of Finance fails to release the dollar exchange rate needed for the payment of book and research allowances by the end of this week.

The association says the delay has generated widespread dissatisfaction among lecturers in public universities, with members authorising the national leadership to take industrial action should the issue remain unresolved.

Speaking on the matter, UTAG General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Seglah, expressed concern over the Finance Ministry’s failure to announce the prevailing dollar rate used in calculating book and research allowances for senior members of public universities.

“The University Teachers Association of Ghana is not happy that, as we speak today, the dollar rates for the processing of our book and research allowance for senior members of public universities have not been released by the Finance Ministry,” he stated.

According to Dr. Seglah, the rates are typically released by March each year to facilitate the timely processing and payment of the allowances.

In addition to concerns over the delayed allowances, UTAG has also raised issues about the slow pace of negotiations on the conditions of service for university lecturers.

Dr. Seglah explained that discussions have been delayed pending the operationalisation of the Independent Emoluments Commission. He noted that interim arrangements currently being negotiated with the Salaries Commission have yet to be finalised and signed.

“Our members are not happy about this development,” he said.

UTAG has given the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, until Friday to address the concerns and release the required exchange rate.

“We are giving the government, specifically the Finance Ministry, up to Friday. If the rate is not released, then on Monday, the national leadership will convene, and we will make a decision. Our members have given us the mandate to take the appropriate actions, and so we’ll lay down our tools,” Dr. Seglah warned.

Should the standoff persist, lecturers across public universities could withdraw their services from next week, a move that could disrupt academic activities across the country.

The threat highlights growing frustration among university teachers over delays in resolving key welfare and remuneration issues affecting members of the association.