Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is set to meet the leadership of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) this week as the government seeks to end the association’s ongoing industrial action.
GAUA began the strike over what it describes as disparities in Market Premium and other related allowances between teaching and non-teaching senior staff of public universities.
The planned engagement is expected to involve the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission as the government explores ways to resolve the concerns raised by the university administrators.
Speaking to Citi News, the Education Minister’s spokesperson, Hashmin Mohammed, confirmed that the meeting is expected to take place this week.
“I think that meeting should happen sometime this week so that we can find a solution to this issue,” he said.
However, GAUA has made it clear that it wants more than assurances from government before considering an end to its industrial action.
Michael Owusu Ansah, President of the University of Ghana chapter of GAUA, said the association expects the government to present tangible measures to address the issues that triggered the strike.
He expressed concern over what he described as a lack of adequate commitment from the government towards resolving the longstanding grievances of tertiary staff unions.
Mr Ansah warned that GAUA would be reluctant to suspend the strike based solely on promises of future action.
“If it is going to be ‘trust me and give me time and I will come back to you,’ I’m afraid this time GAUA may not be persuaded by words,” he said.
The meeting between the government and GAUA is expected to focus on the disputed allowances and other concerns raised by the association, with both sides hoping to find a resolution that could pave the way for an end to the strike.
