The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a substantial increase in the government’s allocation for the Book and Research Allowance, moving it from GH¢408 million to GH¢610 million for the 2025 fiscal year.

The announcement follows mounting pressure from tertiary education unions, 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), who had threatened a nationwide strike over delays in the allowance.

Speaking at the opening of the 22nd UTAG Biennial National Delegates Conference in Tamale on Tuesday, September 30, Mr Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting its obligations.

“In recent months, there were threats of industrial action over the book and research allowance. I am pleased to inform you that the government has increased the allocation from GH¢408 million to GH¢610 million this year, and the disbursement process is currently underway,” the Minister said.

He added that the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, is working to ensure the timely release of the funds.

The increment is expected to ease tensions between the government and tertiary education unions, who have long insisted that adequate and prompt funding for research is crucial to improving teaching and learning across universities, technical universities, and colleges of education.