The government and the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) have signed an agreement to improve the working conditions of university senior staff.
The meeting saw the leadership of SSA-UoG and the government team, led by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), conclude the deal.
Mr George Ansong, the National Chairman of SSA-UoG, expressed his gratitude to members of the association for their patience and dedication throughout the process.
“We have not got everything we wanted, but we have made significant progress, we live to fight again, and we appreciate the support and input from our team and members,” he said.
He also acknowledged the government’s effort to listen to their concerns, stating, “We are grateful for the government’s willingness to listen to our concerns, we are not just fighting for our rights but fighting for the future of our universities.”
He urged members to remain focused, as there were still unresolved issues. “This agreement is just the beginning, we will continue to work together to address the outstanding issues,” he emphasized.
The Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Mr Benjamin Arthur, commended the association for their resilience and determination throughout the negotiations.
“We have come to a compromise, and we pray that the implementation will be smoother than the negotiation, we know it has not been easy, but we are committed to making progress,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of dialogue and urged SSA-UoG leadership to collaborate closely with the government to ensure a smooth implementation process.
“Let us continue to engage in constructive dialogue, there is need to make sure all members of the association benefit from the agreement,” he said.
According to him, the agreement marks a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of the senior staff of Ghanaian universities.
He expressed optimism about its impact on improving working conditions.
“This deal for the government, it reflects a willingness to address the needs and concerns of key stakeholders in education,” he said.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
