Gov’t says will settle UTAG’s market premium arrears by installment

Government says it remains committed to settling all outstanding 2012 market premium arrears of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) by installment.

A statement issued by Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Information on Wednesday copied to the Ghana News Agency said, arrears would be paid on installment as follows: May 2013-4 months arrears; July 2013 – 4 months arrears and September 2013 – 4 months arrears.

It noted that government held a meeting with the leadership of the UTAG to discuss the decision of the latter to embark on strike because of Governments’ inability to make a lump sum payment of their 2012 market premium arrears.

The statement said Mr. Prosper Bani, Chief of Staff, who chaired the meeting, appealed to the university lecturers to call off the strike and resume work given Government’s undertaking to pay the arrears based on arrangements applicable across board for all other public sector workers owed similar arrears.

It added that the Chief of Staff urged UTAG to call off the strike whilst Government mobilizes the needed resources to pay the first tranch in May 2013.

It said the leadership of UTAG indicated that they would consult their membership and take a decision, which they would communicate to Government.

The statement observed that the Ministers of Finance, Education, Information and Media Relations, the Chief Executive of Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and some Vice Chancellors of Universities were present.

Source: GNA