- TUTAG-DHLTU has launched an indefinite strike due to unresolved issues with university management
- Key concerns include OTSA arrears, delays in End of Service Benefits, and poor teaching conditions
- The strike follows failed engagements with university management and GTEC
Academic activities at Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) have been suspended indefinitely following a strike by the university’s chapter of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG).
The industrial action, which began on Tuesday, April 8, is a response to the university management’s ongoing failure to address crucial concerns raised by the association over the past two years.
In an interview with Channel One TV, Mr. Samadu Kamwine, Chairman of TUTAG-DHLTU, explained that the decision to strike followed multiple failed attempts to engage both the university’s management and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
While management has paid two months of Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) arrears, there is still no clear timeline for settling the remaining 32 months, which had been reduced from 34 following partial payments.
On April 4, 2025, the Association officially notified management of its intention to strike, citing several unresolved issues.
Among the issues is management’s failure to fulfill a promise made on March 13, 2025, to clear the OTSA arrears, and the lack of a clear payment schedule. TUTAG is also demanding the immediate disbursement of the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) portion of the End of Service Benefit (ESB) for retired staff, which has been significantly delayed.
Additionally, members have not received their OTSA for the first quarter of 2025 (January to March).
The Association also raised concerns about deteriorating teaching and learning conditions. Mr. Kamwine pointed to the lack of essential Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) such as projectors, the inadequate state of the computer lab with mostly broken machines, and the severe shortage of sewing machines in the Fashion Design Studio, where almost 200 students have to share just 20 machines.
He emphasized that the strike was directed solely at DHLTU’s management, accusing them of poor leadership and neglecting staff welfare, and not at the central government or the Ministry of Education.
“We have made every effort, including engaging with GTEC, but management’s continued inaction has left us with no choice but to down tools,” Mr. Kamwine said.
The strike is already having an impact across the university. However, TUTAG has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue and adjust the academic calendar to make up for lost time if its concerns are addressed promptly.
