Ghana universities set staggered reopening dates after administrators suspend strike

Public universities in Ghana are moving towards resuming academic activities after university administrators suspended their strike, but reopening and lecture schedules differ between institutions.

The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) suspended their industrial action on Oct 16 following progress in negotiations with the government.

The unions said about 80% of their grievances had been addressed, with discussions continuing on outstanding issues.

The development followed a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) requiring public universities to reopen by Oct 16 and commence lectures on October 19, despite the industrial action.

At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), fresh students began reporting to campus on October 15, while continuing students were scheduled to return on Oct 17. The university had announced Oct 19 as the start date for lectures for the 2026/2027 academic year.

KNUST had reopened for students, with freshers completing hall registration and university staff assisting with admissions. At that point, the university said lectures were due to begin on Oct 19. However, a subsequent report confirming that classes actually commenced on that date could not be verified.

The University of Ghana has adopted a later schedule. In a notice, the university announced that students would return from Oct 19, with orientation for fresh students scheduled for Oct 21 to 23. Lectures are due to begin on Oct 26.

The revised schedules follow disruptions caused by the administrators’ strike, which affected university operations and led institutions to postpone reopening plans.

GAUA began its nationwide strike in August over concerns including market premium payments, salary placement and conditions of service.

The suspension of the strike is expected to help universities restore administrative services and continue preparations for the academic year. Negotiations over unresolved grievances are expected to continue between the unions and government agencies.