Pay our book and research allowance now or face our wrath – Teacher unions warn government – Nsemkeka
Three major teacher unions in Ghana are demanding urgent action from the government over delays in the payment of the 2025 Book and Research (BRA) Allowance.
They warn that failure to act by 13th June 2025 will trigger nationwide strike action across all public universities and colleges.
In a press release issued on June 9, 2025, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) expressed “deep concern and discontent” over the prolonged delay, stating that it has caused “significant uncertainty and frustration” among their members.
Following a joint meeting held on June 8, the unions stated, “The government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.”
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They said that the BRA allowance is a legally binding provision in their Conditions of Service and a critical source of support for academic work.
“We stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement… and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the consistent delays in past years, the unions have made it clear that they will not tolerate any further extensions this time.
“Despite the late release of the rates, we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025,” they noted.
The unions issued a firm warning: if the government does not begin payments by 13 June, it will be interpreted as a formal strike notice. “We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses.”
They urged government officials to act quickly to protect academic stability and staff welfare.
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised.”