Academic work at the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) has come to a standstill following an indefinite strike declared by the university’s chapter of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG).
The industrial action, which began on Tuesday, April 8, is in response to management’s prolonged failure to address several critical concerns raised by the association over the past two years.
In an interview with Channel One TV, TUTAG-DHLTU Chairman Mr. Samadu Kamwine stated that the strike was declared after multiple unproductive engagements with both the university’s management and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
Mr. Kamwine disclosed that although two months’ worth of Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) arrears have been paid, management has yet to provide a clear plan for settling the outstanding 32 months.
In a formal letter dated April 4, 2025, the association outlined key grievances, including the failure to honor a March 13 promise to clear OTSA arrears, and the absence of a payment schedule.
TUTAG is also calling for the immediate disbursement of the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) component of the End of Service Benefit (ESB) for retired staff, as well as unpaid OTSA for the first quarter of 2025.
Beyond financial issues, the association raised concerns about poor teaching and learning conditions—citing a lack of projectors and other essential materials in lecture halls.
“The computer laboratory, a crucial resource for ICT students, remains poorly equipped, with most of its computers broken down,” Mr. Kamwine noted. “Similarly, the Fashion Design Studio is facing a shortage of sewing machines, forcing nearly 200 students to rely on just 20 machines.”
Mr. Kamwine further clarified that the strike is not directed at the central government or the Ministry of Education but solely at DHLTU’s management, whom he accused of poor leadership and disregard for staff welfare.
“We’ve done everything possible, including engaging GTEC, but management’s continued silence and inaction have left us with no option but to lay down our tools,” he stated.
The effects of the strike are already being felt across the university. Bashiru Konate-Satar, a level 100 ICT student, expressed concern over the disruption to academic work as mid-semester exams approach.
Final-year student Belinda Abanga echoed the sentiment, saying, “My class arrived on campus expecting lectures, only to discover that all teaching staff had withdrawn their services.”
Despite the strike, TUTAG insists it remains open to dialogue and expressed readiness to extend the academic calendar to recover lost contact hours if their concerns are addressed.
