University administrators across Ghana have resumed a nationwide strike, affecting the operations of public universities, including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST).

The strike, initiated by the Ghana Association of University Administrators, GAUA, was suspended earlier following negotiations with the government.

However, administrators have reconvened, citing unmet agreements and dissatisfaction with the government’s actions.

President of the KNUST chapter of GAUA, Festus Nyame, at an emergency meeting with members, explained the government failed to honour the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed between the association, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and government representatives.

“We went on strike initially, but there was an intervention by the National Labor Commission, which led to a suspension of the strike. We agreed to re-engage with the government, but we have realized that the government is not being honest with us. Agreements that were made and signed in the MoU have not been adhered to by the government’s side. We think the government is taking GAUA and our members for granted,” he said.

Festus explained the strike would affect operations at KNUST and other public universities across the country.

Impact on university operations

The strike, according to Festus, will lead to a significant disruption in university services.

"Our University Hospital will be affected. Doctors, pharmacists, and senior members at the hospital will not be working. The I.T. offices will also be closed, affecting online services, which is important for many students and staff," he said.

He added that the timing of the strike would have a broader impact, especially with the upcoming graduation ceremonies.

“The marking of exams and the uploading of results will be delayed, which could affect the graduation timeline. Several offices, including the accounts office and the registrar's office, will also be shut down. Those relying on these services will not receive the assistance they need. Students and faculty are expected to face challenges during this period.

"People expecting payments from the university accounts office won’t be able to get them. Those who need services from the registrar’s office will also face difficulties because the office will be closed," he said.

The strike comes at a time when many university functions depend on administrative staff.

The shutdown of essential services could lead to delays and frustrations for both students and university staff.

Unmet Demands

The issue at the heart of the strike is the government’s failure to meet the conditions outlined in the agreement between GAUA and the government.

Festus Nyame described this failure as a lack of respect for the association and its members.

"The government has taken us for granted for too long. The terms of the agreement were clear, and we expected the government to act in good faith, but that has not been the case," he stated.

Anthony Adjapong, Vice President of the KNUST chapter of GAUA, also expressed concerns over the government’s unwillingness to engage sincerely with the association.

"We entered into these negotiations in the hope that the government would fulfil its promises, but it has become clear that they are not willing to uphold their end of the bargain," he said.

Broader implications

The strike has broader implications for the functioning of public universities in Ghana.

With administrative staff unavailable, processes such as academic registration, financial disbursements, and the management of university hospitals are expected to come to a standstill.

This could result in delays that extend beyond the duration of the strike, particularly if the government and GAUA fail to reach a timely resolution.