The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has announced the reactivation of its nationwide strike action effective Monday, August 10, 2026, citing persistent disparities in market premiums and allowances between Teaching and Non-Teaching Senior Members in Ghana’s public universities.
The decision was taken at the Association’s National Congress held in Sunyani on Friday, August 7, 2026, after members deliberated on what they described as widening inequities in the remuneration structure for senior university staff.
In a statement issued after the Congress, GAUA said although it supports improvements in the conditions of service of Teaching Senior Members, the recent adjustments to market premiums have created an unfair gap between the two categories of senior staff who operate within the same analogous Senior Member structure.
According to the Association, the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) in 2012 harmonised the market premium for all Senior Members at 114% to ensure equity across the various categories. However, the latest review in 2026 has disrupted that balance.
GAUA noted that under an agreement it signed with the government on April 22, 2026, Non-Teaching Senior Members received a 40% increase in consolidated market premiums and non-basic allowances, with retrospective effect from April 1, 2026. Despite the increase, the Association said a significant disparity remains.
The Association stated that, on average, a Teaching Senior Member now receives approximately GH¢10,000 in market premium, while a Non-Teaching Senior Member receives about GH¢4,718, creating a gap of roughly GH¢5,282.
GAUA described the disparity as inconsistent with the principles of fairness, internal equity, and the objectives of the Single Spine Pay Policy.
It further argued that the situation threatens staff morale, industrial harmony, and the effective administration of public universities.
The Association also expressed concern that the lowest-ranked Teaching Senior Member, an Assistant Lecturer, now receives a higher market premium than the highest-ranked Non-Teaching Senior Member, such as a Registrar or Finance Officer, despite both categories having been placed on the same market premium level in 2012.
GAUA disclosed that it formally petitioned the National Labour Commission (NLC) and other relevant state institutions on July 16, 2026, seeking intervention to address the disparities. However, it said no response has been received.
The Association stressed that its demands are not intended to undermine the gains made by Teaching Senior Members but rather to secure equitable treatment for all Senior Members based on transparent and consistent principles.
It called on the government and relevant stakeholders to address the disparities and ensure fairness in the remuneration of senior university staff.
GAUA has directed all its members across public universities to stay away from work until further notice pending a satisfactory resolution of the dispute.