The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has warned to disturb industrial harmony if the government fails to resolve their concerns about the payment of the Book and Research Allowance (BRA) .
On Monday, October 16, 2023, UTAG released a communiqué in which it issued the warning.
The Book and Research Allowance is a crucial part of UTAG’s conditions of service, hence they insist on early payment.
Campus tension has intensified as a result of the postponement of the 2022–2023 academic year’s Book and Research Allowance.
In order to prevent disruptions to academic activities and maintain industrial harmony, UTAG has requested the government to ensure that all of its members get their Book and Research Allowance payments by October 21.
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In its communiqué, UTAG also stated that its members would not return to the classroom in January 2024 if the government did not pay the negotiated ex-pump rate, as well as any outstanding arrears, by November 1st, 2023, as promised.
“UTAG clarifies that the implementation of the National Research Fund should not replace the infamous Book and Research Allowance (BRA), which is a critical component of the conditions of service of the Members of UTAG, which has been delayed unduly for the already completed 2022/2023 Academic year as many Lecturers in public universities are yet to receive this reimbursable expenditure. This is creating tension on our campus.”
“We are urging the Government to ensure that all UTAG Members receive their Book and Research Allowance by the 21st of October to avoid disrupting industrial harmony,” UTAG stated.
