No More Waiting: Senior Staff Unions Declare Indefinite Strike

University campuses across Ghana are likely to feel the impact of an indefinite strike declared today by senior staff unions over the government’s failure to fulfill a long-standing agreement aimed at improving their conditions of service.

The strike, effective Wednesday, May 21, involves three key unions: the Senior Staff Association of Ghana, the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUWAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSAG).

Speaking on behalf of the unions, George Ansong, National Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, described the decision to strike as painful but necessary. He said the strike follows months of unproductive dialogue with both the current and previous governments.

“We regret to announce our decision to embark on an indefinite strike, but we’ve reached a point where our goodwill has been ignored and our patience exhausted,” Mr. Ansong said.

He emphasized that the strike stems from the government’s failure to honor an agreement signed six months ago to enhance salaries, benefits, and working conditions for university senior staff.

Despite repeated reminders and extended grace periods, Mr. Ansong said the government has remained silent on its commitments.

“Our trust has been broken. We cannot continue to work under these conditions while promises are left hanging,” he added.

According to the union leadership, all members have been instructed to stay home until further notice. This is expected to disrupt administrative functions, delay academic support services, and affect students and faculty operations nationwide.

The unions expressed frustration at what they describe as persistent neglect and inaction by authorities, warning that they will not return to work until the agreement is fully implemented.

Stakeholders across the educational sector are urging the government to respond swiftly in order to avoid widespread disruptions in public universities, particularly as final-year students prepare for assessments and graduations.

This strike is the latest in a series of labour disputes that continue to affect Ghana’s education system, raising urgent questions about labour relations, government accountability, and the well-being of public sector workers.