Three key unions in tertiary education — 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)  — have jointly threatened a nationwide strike if government fails to pay their book and research allowances by June 13, 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 9, the three unions expressed frustration over what they described as the “undue delay” in releasing the exchange rate required to compute their book and research allowances.

They warned that the delay has created “significant uncertainty and frustration” among members, as many depend on the funds to support academic work and research activities.

Following a joint meeting on June 8, the unions resolved that while they are prepared to accommodate the late release of the exchange rate, they will not accept any extension of payment beyond September 2025.

They stressed that the allowance is a statutory obligation under their Conditions of Service, not a discretionary gesture.

The unions warned that failure by the government to honour the June 13 deadline will be treated as an official strike notice, triggering industrial action across all affected campuses.

They also urged the government to act swiftly to avert a nationwide disruption of the academic calendar and to protect the welfare of lecturers and the broader education sector.

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Opoku Ware Senior High School (OWASS) has won the 2025 Ashanti Regional Renewable Energy Challenge with a groundbreaking multi-purpose farm tiller designed to support rural agriculture.

The event, held at Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), is part of a nationwide initiative by the Energy Commission and Ghana Education Service (GES) to promote innovation in renewable energy among SHS students.

OWASS topped the contest with 83.3 points, impressing judges with a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for tree crop farming.

Obuasi SHTS placed second with 77.7 points, while Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS followed in third with 72.7 points. Other finalists included St. Monica’s SHS, St. Michael’s SHS, Sekyedumase SHS, Bosomtwe Girls’ SHS, Esaase Bontefufuom SHS, and KNUST SHS.

Mr. Julius Nkansah-Nyarko of the Energy Commission praised the competition for bridging theory and practice, and revealed plans to partner with CSIR to support top projects with funding and technical help.

Madam Hannah Amponsah of the Ashanti Regional Education Office commended the students for their creativity, noting the projects reflect deep understanding and practical thinking.

From 142 initial entries, 10 schools reached the finals. OWASS will now represent Ashanti Region at the zonal level, with the best schools advancing to the national finale in Accra.

The challenge remains a powerful platform for developing young innovators tackling Ghana’s energy and environmental needs.

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of indiscipline in Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country.

His comments echo warnings from the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), which recently decried the erosion of discipline in schools. NAGRAT has given the government an ultimatum to address the situation by the end of the month or face protective action from teachers against violent students.

Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference at the Jubilee House on Friday, May 23, 2025, President Mahama emphasized the need for collective action to reverse the trend.

READ ALSO: Catholic Bishops urge President Mahama to declare galamsey state of emergency

“There is a breakdown of values and morals, and that is creating some issues in our schools. There have been incidents where you find students with guns in our public schools. There is also the student who almost lost her eyesight because a student fired a gun,” he said.

The President also questioned how issues such as curriculum design, moral education, student discipline, and teacher absenteeism were being addressed.

“So, what do we do about our curriculum, moral education, discipline, and teacher absenteeism? The inspectorate division of the GES cannot be everywhere at the same time to make sure that teachers are in school,” he noted.

Mahama called for closer cooperation between the Ghana Education Service and faith-based institutions to ensure accountability and enhance monitoring.

“So, how can we collaborate with the churches and find out whether the teachers who have been posted to these schools are actually going to schools and teaching? I think collaboration will help solve the issue,” he added.

On a separate issue, President Mahama described the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, as a deeply complex challenge, exacerbated by the country’s current economic difficulties and high youth unemployment.

He observed that limited job opportunities have led many unskilled youth to engage in illegal mining activities to survive.

President Mahama also drew a distinction between galamsey and legitimate small-scale mining, stating, “Small-scale mining, when properly regulated, is not illegal.”

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