Hilla Limann Technical University TUTAG declares indefinite strike

Academic activities at Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) have stopped. This follows an indefinite strike by the university’s chapter of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG).

The strike began on Tuesday, April 8. It results from management's failure to address key concerns over two years.

In an interview with Channel One TV, TUTAG-DHLTU Chairman Samadu Kamwine explained the decision to strike. He said repeated discussions with management and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) did not lead to positive outcomes.

Management has paid two months of Online Teaching Support Allowance (OTSA) arrears. However, they have not provided a timeline for clearing the remaining 32 months.

On April 4, 2025, TUTAG officially informed management about their intention to strike. They cited several unresolved issues in their letter.

One issue is management's unfulfilled promise from March 13, 2025, regarding OTSA arrears. There is also no agreed payment schedule in place.

TUTAG demands immediate disbursement of the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) portion of the End of Service Benefit (ESB) for retired staff. This payment has faced significant delays.

Additionally, members have not received their OTSA for January to March 2025. The association pointed out worsening teaching and learning conditions at DHLTU.

Mr. Kamwine highlighted a lack of basic Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs). Lecture halls lack projectors, and the computer lab is poorly equipped with broken machines.

There is also a severe shortage of sewing machines in the Fashion Design Studio. Nearly 200 students share just 20 machines there.

He emphasized that this strike targets DHLTU’s management only. He accused them of poor leadership and neglecting staff welfare.

“We’ve done everything possible,” Mr. Kamwine stated. “Management’s silence has left us no choice but to lay down our tools.”

The impact of the strike is already noticeable across the university.

However, TUTAG remains open to dialogue and willing to adjust the academic calendar if their concerns are addressed promptly.