Three unions in Ghana have announced plans to initiate industrial action on August 9, 2024, if the Ministry of Finance does not authorize the payment of agreed allowances by August 8, 2024.

The unions involved are the Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Senior Staff Associations of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC).

The unions are concerned about the Ministry's failure to issue a letter authorizing the payment of the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) and other related allowances.

They have given the Ministry a deadline of August 8 to release the necessary letter, warning that failure to do so will result in industrial action the following day.

In a statement dated August 5, the unions emphasized their commitment to fighting for their members' rights and expressed frustration over the Ministry's refusal to engage with them despite multiple attempts.

They noted that while universities receiving government subventions have been paid, including arrears, those on the Controller and Accountant General’s payroll have not received the new rates.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has reportedly halted the payment of the new rate by universities, pending authorization from the Ministry.

This has led to concerns that even those currently receiving the new rate may be denied it, while others remain on the old rate.

The unions accuse the government of using underhanded tactics to deny them the agreed allowances and are determined to take action if their demands are not met.“Now the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission is ordering the universities not to pay the new rate until a letter from the Ministry authorizing the payment is released. In that case, even those who are receiving the new rate are going to be denied the new rate while those who are on the Controller payroll still remain where they are.

“The Unions believe that the government is using Machiavellian tactics to deny us of an agreement reached with them.”