Winneba – The National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG convened for its second quarter meeting for 2024 at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Addressing various pressing concerns, members arrived at these essential decisions.
- NEC recognises the employer’s efforts to implement the signed MoA and is urging the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for those universities still on subvention/managing their payrolls to speed up the process of actual payments as soon as possible. NEC is closely monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to activate NEC’s voted decision of industrial action if the processes are further delayed.
- NEC further directed that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) expedite actions and seal off the IGF-based allowances already agreed by UTAG Branches with their management across the universities and the non-monetary component of our Conditions of Service for immediate implementation.
- The non-payment of UTAG-UESD members of their OTSA for more than 25 months is incomprehensible. As a law-abiding Association, UTAG, as an interested party, will join the suit by the National Labour Commission (NLC) to enforce its directive in Court. Meanwhile, UTAG demands that the Ministry of Education, through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), should immediately direct VCG to start charging the fees and charges as approved by Parliament to enable them to pay all arrears owed to Members. Any further delays in officially communicating the approved fees and charges to VCG for implementation will not be acceptable beyond 31st March 2024. Meanwhile, the NEC of UTAG expressed gratitude to the Management of Branches that have been able to pay Members their OTSA to date and encouraged them to continue to do so for improved productivity. Those that are owing are entreated to settle their indebtedness without delay.
- UTAG believes in the power of partnership. Thus, NEC is ready to foster a close partnership with VCG for mutual benefit, including embarking on joint capital projects, capacity-building activities, research, and extension for development impact.
- In solidarity, UTAG has extended scholarships to 164 university students affected by the recent floods, particularly caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam and others in northern Ghana. Each student will receive a lump sum of one thousand and two hundred Ghana Cedis (GHC1,200.00) to alleviate financial burdens and support their academic pursuits on the various member campuses.
- Recognizing its pivotal role in shaping development policies during crucial election cycles, such as the upcoming 2024 elections, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG has directed a proactive approach in helping set the agenda for issue-based electioneering campaigns by all political parties. This UTAG aims to centre and guide discussions on pertinent issues by engaging with the primary presidential candidates on topical issues on the socioeconomic and politico-cultural transformation agenda. The engagements will be crucial in ensuring informed policy decisions and campaigning by presidential candidates. The objective is to delve into the core policy issues underpinning their campaigns and manifestoes based on principles of evidence-based policymaking. By initiating dialogues with the main presidential contenders, UTAG seeks to influence the formulation of transformative development policies. UTAG’s engagement strategy will prioritize key policy domains such as education, economy, research, science, and technology-related areas. By adopting this structured approach, UTAG endeavours to proactively shape the national agenda and foster meaningful collaborations with political stakeholders.