The Ghana Association of University Administrators says discussions with government aimed at resolving its outstanding grievances have yielded little progress after approximately two months of negotiations.
National General Secretary Charles Jojo Aidoo disclosed that the association remains engaged with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission but is dissatisfied with the pace and substance of the discussions.
According to Mr Aidoo, GAUA has presented approximately six or seven major grievances, yet none has been adequately resolved.
He said many of the association’s concerns are not even financial in nature, although disagreements over allowances and conditions of service remain important components of the dispute.
GAUA declared its industrial action in August after negotiations over negotiated and approved allowances failed to produce an acceptable settlement.
The strike has since affected administrative operations at several public universities, including the University of Ghana and the University of Media, Arts and Communication.
At the University of Ghana, students have encountered difficulties with registration, accommodation processes and access to online university services.
Management has consequently suspended first semester registration for the 2026/2027 academic year because several administrative functions have been affected by the absence of GAUA members.
Mr Aidoo said the prolonged dispute has generated considerable frustration among members of the association, who believe their concerns have not received the level of attention they deserve.
He explained that GAUA is made up of professionals performing a wide range of specialised functions within Ghana’s universities, including medical practitioners, lawyers, chartered accountants, auditors, human resource professionals and procurement specialists.
He further argued that the association’s concerns about working conditions have existed for many years.
According to him, GAUA has not had comprehensive conditions of service since 2008, a situation he considers unsustainable for a professional group responsible for important administrative functions within universities.
Despite the frustration, Mr Aidoo said the association remains willing to continue discussions with government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
He expressed the expectation that further engagement could produce meaningful results before the end of October.
The continuing dispute has nevertheless created mounting pressure on government because the industrial action is now directly affecting students and the ability of public universities to perform essential administrative functions.
At the University of Ghana, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Gordon Awandare has already warned that if the strike extends into next week, the institution may have to reorganise its academic calendar.
The association’s position therefore places renewed emphasis on the need for government and university administrators to reach an agreement before the disruption causes wider consequences for the 2026/2027 academic year.
