TEWU-TUC denounces splinter union’s strike as ‘unlawful and destructive’

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC), has strongly condemned an ongoing strike declared by a splinter group calling itself the Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU-GH), branding the action as “unlawful, reckless, and dangerous.”

TEWU-GH embarked on the strike after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on 24th June 2025, demanding recognition of its representatives on the governing councils of public traditional universities.

In a statement signed by General Secretary, King James Azortibah and issued on Friday, July 6, TEWU-TUC described the strike as baseless and detrimental to the smooth operation of Ghana’s public tertiary institutions.

“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.

TEWU-TUC reaffirmed its status as the sole legally recognised union representing educational workers in public universities, citing a letter from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) dated 2 August 2023.

The letter confirms TEWU-TUC’s possession of the Collective Bargaining Certificate for the worker category concerned, in accordance with Section 99 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

Further backing TEWU-TUC’s claim, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) issued a directive on 18 June 2025 instructing all public traditional universities to recognise only TEWU-TUC representatives on their governing councils and to disregard any appointments from TEWU-GH.

Calling for calm among its membership, TEWU-TUC urged all workers across the country to remain at post and disregard the strike action.

“We urge all gallant and loyal members to treat this illegal strike with the contempt it deserves and remain focused on their duties,” the union stated.

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