The Senior Staff Association of universities in Ghana and
the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG) have
jointly initiated an indefinite nationwide strike beginning January 17, 2024.
The move comes in response to the Ghanaian government's alleged neglect of
critical issues affecting the welfare of university senior staff, particularly
regarding pensions and conditions of service outlined in the Labor Act, 2003
(Act 651).
The National Chairman, Isaac Donkoh, emphasized that the
government's failure to release Tier-2 Pension contributions and the
unauthorized cancellation of overtime allowances were the primary catalysts for
the industrial action. Despite numerous appeals, the government's inaction
prompted the associations to take this drastic step.
One of the major contentions is the government's mishandling
of pension contributions between 2010 and 2016, resulting in financial losses
for retirees. The associations are demanding the immediate settlement of
outstanding debts and pension contributions with appropriate interest, as
stipulated by the Pensions Act, 2010 (Act 766).
As the strike unfolds, the Labor Commission has scheduled a
meeting with key stakeholders to address the issues. The associations are
resolute in their demand for fairness, emphasizing the need for the government
to prioritize pension recalculations and the withdrawal of directives
eliminating overtime allowances.
The strike underscores the deep-seated frustrations among
university staff, seeking not just financial rectification but also recognition
and respect for their contributions to the academic community. The outcome of
the dialogue between the government and the striking staff will determine the
future of academic industrial relations in Ghana.
