The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has engaged representatives of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and university management in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by administrative and professional staff.
The meeting provided a platform for frank exchanges on salary adjustments, market premium, job evaluation, staff equivalences, conditions of service, outstanding allowances and retirement arrangements.
Hon. Iddrisu appealed to the striking staff to consider suspending the industrial action and return to the negotiating table. He assured them of his readiness to engage the Ministry of Finance, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and other relevant institutions to address their concerns.
The Minister emphasized the need to restore peace and stability on campuses as universities prepare for the new academic year. He noted that significant efforts had been made to realign the academic calendar following COVID‑19 disruptions and urged all parties to protect those gains.
A major issue raised was the demand for a fresh job evaluation. The union argued that existing arrangements were outdated and called for a new exercise to reflect current responsibilities. The Minister welcomed the proposal and pledged to engage the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on the matter.
The meeting also addressed the outstanding one‑time research allowance. Hon. Iddrisu referred to a letter dated April 24, 2026, from Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem, requesting validated beneficiary data to facilitate payment. He directed that the required information be submitted promptly to the Ministry of Finance for processing.
Staff equivalences featured prominently in the discussions. Prof. Anamoah explained that the arrangements had historical roots and were intended to recognize the complementary roles of different categories of staff. He urged stakeholders to avoid allowing the issue to become divisive.
Concerns were also raised about the placement of senior administrative staff, including Registrars, Finance Directors and Executive Registrars, with implications for salaries and pensions. The Minister noted the concerns and said they would be examined.
University management appealed to staff to return to work while talks continue, citing the impact of the strike on admissions, administration, teaching and other essential activities. Hon. Iddrisu urged restraint and cautioned against statements that could heighten tensions, stressing that dialogue remained the path to a lasting solution.
At the close of the meeting, GAUA leaders Stanley Abofam and Rev. Kweku Kakereyamwa described the engagement as positive but confirmed that the strike had not been called off. They said the union would consult its members before making a decision and assured the Minister of feedback within 48 hours.
The meeting ended with renewed commitment to dialogue, though the industrial action remains in force pending the union’s consultations.
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