The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed three striking university unions to immediately call off their indefinite strike, invoking its legal authority under Section 139(1)(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

The directive affects the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG).

"The National Labour Commission in pursuance of its powers under 139 (1) (d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) directs the following Unions - Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG) and Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG) to call off their strike."

• Read also: University Senior Staff declare indefinite nationwide strike over unfulfilled agreement

The unions declared an indefinite strike earlier today, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, citing government’s failure to honour a six-month-old agreement meant to improve their conditions of service.

However, in an urgent notice sighted by myjoyonline and signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Bernice A. Welbeck, noted that it was officially notified of the unions' intention to strike on May 12, 2025, and subsequently intervened by summoning both the unions and relevant government bodies for a hearing on May 21.

It added that the Commission, in a letter dated May 13, directed that all parties appear and that the unions suspend their intended action in accordance with Section 160 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

However, during today’s hearing, government representatives informed the Commission that the unions had proceeded with the strike despite its directive. This was later confirmed via a joint press release from the unions dated May 21 and titled: “SSA-UoG, TUAAG and FUSSAG Embark on Indefinite Strike Over Government’s Continued Breach of Agreement.”

Due to the unions’ non-compliance, the NLC invoked Section 161 of the Labour Act, refusing to proceed with the hearing until the strike is officially called off.