The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned to disturb industrial harmony if the government fails to resolve their concerns about the payment of the Book and Research Allowances (BRA).
The warning was delivered by UTAG in a communiqué issued on Monday, October 16, 2023.
UTAG insists on early payment of the Book and Research Allowance, which is a vital component of their terms of service.
The Book and Research Allowance for the previously completed 2022/2023 academic year has been postponed, prompting increased stress on campuses.
As a result, UTAG has urged the government to ensure that all of its members receive their Book and Research Allowance payments by October 21st in order to avoid potential disruptions to academic activity and to maintain industrial peace among educators.
In its communiqué, UTAG also stated that its members would not return to the classroom in January 2024 if the government did not pay the agreed-upon ex-pump rate, as well as all incurred arrears, by November 1st, 2023.
“UTAG clarifies that the implementation of the National Research Fund should not replace the infamous Book and Research Allowance (BRA), which is a critical component of the Members’ conditions of service and has been unduly delayed for the already completed 2022/2023 Academic year, as many Lecturers in public universities have yet to receive this reimbursable expenditure. Our campus is tense as a result of this.”
“We are urging the Government to ensure that all UTAG Members receive their Book and Research Allowance by the 21st of October to avoid disrupting industrial harmony,” the UTAG said.
