By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), March 11, GNA – The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has held its 51st Delegates Congress at the Ho Technical University, where newly elected national executives were sworn into office.
The Congress, held as a transitional session, also marked the formal handover of the National Secretariat of the Association to Ho Technical University.
At the event, the outgoing national executives officially handed over the affairs of the Association to the newly elected leadership, signaling the formal transition and assumption of office by the new national executive team.
The newly elected national executives are Prof Deodat Emilson Adenutsi, National President; Dr Frank Kulor, National Vice President; Dr Francis Fonyee Nutsugah, National Secretary; Mr Daniel Komla Tsorhe, National Treasurer; Mr Francois Mahama, National Organiser; and Ms Patience Aku Dedume, National Gender Officer.
The Congress also deliberated on key issues affecting the Technical University sector, the welfare of members, and the broader tertiary education landscape in the country.
One major concern raised was the delay in the approval of the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) Conditions of Service for members of TUTAG.
Congress noted that all Technical Universities had submitted their IGF Conditions of Service to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) for approval over a year ago, but the process had yet to be completed.
Members expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, noting that the continued inaction had created uncertainty and tension across the various campuses.
Congress therefore called on the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to expedite the review and approval process to restore calm and promote industrial harmony within the Technical Universities.
The Congress also discussed challenges with the implementation of the roll-over policy and post-retirement contracts under the negotiated Conditions of Service for public university teachers.
Members noted that the provisions were intended to ensure academic continuity and the retention of experienced faculty to mentor younger staff.
However, Congress expressed concern that several members serving on post-retirement contracts had not been paid for months despite their continued service.
The Association also criticised attempts by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to alter the roll-over policy without engaging the union, describing such actions as unilateral changes to negotiated Conditions of Service.
Congress called on GTEC, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant institutions to urgently address the issues to prevent escalating tensions on Technical University campuses.
The Congress noted that the Government of Ghana-sponsored Conditions of Service for public universities had expired and that processes had begun to negotiate a new agreement.
TUTAG, in collaboration with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has submitted proposals to guide the negotiation of the new Conditions of Service.
Congress urged all stakeholders, particularly the government, to approach the negotiations with urgency and good faith to avoid delays and ensure industrial harmony within the tertiary education sector.
The Association expressed appreciation to the outgoing national executives for their dedication and service to the growth of TUTAG.
It also commended the management and staff of Ho Technical University for successfully hosting the Congress.
The newly sworn-in executives reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the welfare of members and advancing Technical University education in the country.
Congress called on members to remain united and support the new leadership in pursuing the objectives of the Association.
TUTAG also urged government and other relevant stakeholders to take prompt steps to address the concerns raised to maintain peace and stability across Technical Universities in the country.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade