University senior staff call off strike after government responds

The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) has called off its nationwide strike, which began on May 21, 2025. The decision to suspend the strike was made jointly with the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG).

The strike was aimed at pushing the government to implement an agreement reached six months ago. It came after multiple appeals and delays, despite earlier promises.

However, in a statement released on May 22, 2025, SSA-UoG announced that the government had now shown clear signs of commitment.

“On behalf of our sister unions (TUAAG and FUSSAG) and on my behalf as the National Chairman of SSA-UoG, we are pleased to inform you that following our collective action and strong advocacy, the Government has responded positively to our demands,” the statement read.

According to the Association, the Ministry of Finance has finally released a letter approving the implementation of the negotiated agreement, which dates back to November 1, 2024. Additionally, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has given universities the go-ahead to make the necessary payments immediately.

As a result, all senior staff members are expected to return to work on Friday, May 23, 2025.

SSA-UoG also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Education and GTEC Director-General, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, for their strong support in addressing their issues.

Earlier, GTEC had voiced its disappointment over the strike. In a statement dated May 22, the Commission said it had taken steps to address the staff’s concerns even before the strike began.

They noted that the National Labour Commission (NLC) had invited all parties to a hearing on May 21, 2025, after receiving notice of the strike. GTEC also reminded the public that meetings had already taken place with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on May 19, 2025, where promises were made to solve the problem.

Despite this, the staff proceeded with the strike, which GTEC described as “illegal” and taken in “bad faith.”

Now, with official documents released and payments approved, the senior staff have agreed to resume duties as the government begins the implementation process.