UTAG issues ultimatum for Book and Research Allowance payment; threatens industrial action
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a stern warning to the government, urging them to disburse the 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance (BRA) by Saturday, October 21. In the event that this ultimatum is not met, UTAG has threatened to initiate industrial action.
This warning was conveyed in a communiqué released by UTAG on Monday, October 16, signed by its National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Dr. Elliasu Mumuni.
According to the statement, the delay in BRA payment is causing tension on university campuses.
UTAG emphasized that the implementation of the National Research Fund should not replace the essential Book and Research Allowance, which is a critical component of the terms of service for its members. The association pointed out that this allowance for the 2022/2023 academic year has been unduly delayed, leaving many lecturers in public universities without their reimbursable expenditure. This delay has resulted in heightened tension within the academic community.
In the release, UTAG called upon the government to ensure that all UTAG members receive their BRA payments by October 21 to prevent any disruptions to teaching.
Additionally, UTAG expressed its concern regarding recent attacks on journalists and media outlets in the country. The association stated that these developments are not in the national interest and observed that such actions infringe upon the freedom of expression and media rights, as guaranteed in the Constitution of Ghana.
UTAG urged the Ghana Police Service to promptly apprehend and prosecute the individuals responsible for these attacks, while commending the police for their swift response to some of the incidents. The association called upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in attacks on journalists, media houses, and the unfortunate killings of journalists in the country.
