News
UEW authorities commended for effective COVID-19 measures
The Minister of State in-charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, has commended management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), for ensuring effective COVID-19 measures for final year students on campus.
He indicated that the various interventions deployed by the university, demonstrated UEW’s support to complement government’s efforts in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“I am extremely satisfied about the rigorous measures put in place by the university in ensuring the safety of final year students, who are back on campus, to complete the 2019/2020 academic year,” Prof Yankah stressed.
Prof Yankah gave the commendation during a courtesy call on management of the university and also to observe how the institution was receiving and helping the final year students on campus.
He said the government was appreciative of the role being played by the various tertiary institutions in the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, and urged the institutions to continue with such roles.
Commenting on the conduct of final year students, who had reported to campus, he said, “It is gratifying to see all final year students adhering to the precautionary measures announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the university management.”
Prof Yankah urged students and Ghanaians to continue adhering to protocol on the fight against the pandemic.
He reminded the public to observe social distancing, wear face masks, wash hands under running water for at least 20 seconds as well as the use of hand sanitisers.
The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Rev Fr Prof Anthony Afful-Broni, said the UEW management had allocated a place at the University Hospital for COVID-19 related cases.
Management, he said, was working closely with the public and private health facilities within the Effutu municipality to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Rev Fr Prof Afful-Broni said, “We have been very supportive of the Municipal Directorate of Health. Sometimes, we offer our vehicles to take samples.”
He said that “we have also taken part in contact tracings for the municipality; so there is a very good collaboration”.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Andy Ofori-Birikorang, explained that most of the final year students had completed their courses and submitted their long essays and project work to their various departments.
Currently, he said, the students returned to campus to wrap-up their take-home papers and subsequently submit same to their lecturers.
The Registrar, Paul Osei-Barima, briefed the minister on the university’s re-opening arrangement for the final year students, and expressed the commitment of management.
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
