The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC), Ghana, has strongly criticised the ongoing strike declared by a breakaway group calling itself the Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU-GH).
TEWU-GH’s strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on June 24, 2025, over the recognition of its representatives on the governing councils of traditional universities.
Describing the action as reckless, TEWU-TUC insists the strike lacks a legal basis and poses a direct threat to the smooth running of public universities.
“This action, carried out under the guise of seeking justice, is nothing but a desperate, unlawful, and dangerous attempt by a disgruntled breakaway group to subvert legitimate union structures, undermine industrial peace, and recklessly jeopardise the smooth running of public universities,” the statement read.
The statement issued and signed by its General Secretary on Friday, July 4, King James Azortibah reaffirmed TEWU-TUC’s status as the only legally mandated union to represent educational workers in public universities, citing a letter from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) dated August 2, 2023.
According to the union, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) in its letter dated 2nd August 2023 confirms TEWU-TUC’s possession of the Collective Bargaining Certificate for the worker category in question, under Section 99 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
Backing the union’s claim, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) also issued a letter dated June 18, 2025, directing all public traditional universities to recognise only TEWU-TUC representatives on their governing councils and to disregard representatives from the rival union.
The union has called on all its members nationwide to stay calm and continue working, urging them to reject what it described as “diversionary antics” by the splinter group.
“We urge all gallant and loyal members to treat this illegal strike with the contempt it deserves and remain focused on their duties,” the statement said.
TEWU of TUC assured its members that it would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to protect their rights and secure better conditions of service.