The Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors Ghana, Cynthia Sena Kpeglo says universities are unable to operate without the essential services provided by the striking unions.

She pointed out that the absence of basic services like sanitation, utility management, and classroom maintenance would make it nearly impossible for teaching and learning to continue.

"Absolutely not, we can’t operate without the unions. We can’t study in a dirty classroom...These unions are in charge of utility services, sanitation and all those things and if they are not there, you can’t manage. Unless, maybe you want to outsource at a very high bill. It will be hard for universities to operate without this category of people,” she said.

The postponement of the reopening of public universities is due to an ongoing strike by several university unions, including the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU), Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), and the Federation of University Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG).

These unions have embarked on an indefinite strike over a series of unresolved demands, ranging from delayed pension contributions to the non-payment of allowances.

The strike has already led to the postponement of reopening dates at major universities, such as the University of Ghana.

Also to join in the postponement is the University of Education Winneba, and the University for Development Studies.

The Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) has also announced plans to begin a nationwide strike starting on September 27, 2024, due to the government's failure to meet obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, specifically regarding revised allowances for senior staff members.

However, Labour consultant Austin Gamey has called on the government to act swiftly and meet the demands of the striking unions to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.