The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has suspended its decision to withdraw teaching services over non-payment of the 2019/20 book and research allowance.

A press statement released on Monday, signed by the National President and Secretary, revealed that their decision follows “the commitment of government towards the payment of last academic year’s book and research allowances.”

UTAG had intended to suspend all of its services from public universities from Monday, September 15.

This was to protest the failure of government in paying the allowance which should have been given them by July 2020.

Speaking to JoyNews, President of the Association Prof Charles Marfo had lamented that it was unfortunate that every year, lecturers have to go through such an ordeal before the payments are effected.

UTAG also said although it sympathises with government over the financial challenges Covid-19 has visited on the economy, it has also taken note of the government’s distribution of freebies and raises in expenditure in other sectors of the economy.

“Ours is not a contingency, ours is an established one that somebody should commit itself to. And it’s not that we don’t sympathize, we do sympathize with government very much but we also think that the right thing must be done.”

However, in their new press release, UTAG stated that it has gathered pieces of information through its discussion with people representing government that amply suggest their call is being heeded to.

Although UTAG stated that its members will withdraw their services, if government fails to honour its obligations by the end of September 2020.