The Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), demanding the immediate reversal of a directive compelling traditional public universities to swear in representatives from the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union under the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) onto their Governing Councils.
The directive, issued by GTEC on June 18, 2025, formally recognized TEWU-TUC as the legitimate union to represent non-teaching staff on the governing boards of public traditional universities. GTEC directed all affected institutions to swear in TEWU-TUC representatives with immediate effect and to accord them full Council privileges.
However, TEWU-GH has vehemently rejected the directive, arguing that it undermines union pluralism and breaches due process in labour representation.
National Chairman of TEWU-GH, Sulemana Abdul Rahaman, stated that the recognition of TEWU-TUC does not invalidate the rights and relevance of TEWU-GH. “The bargaining certificate held by TEWU-TUC does not extinguish the legitimacy of TEWU-GH,” Abdul Rahaman said. “This directive is a violation of democratic principles and an affront to the autonomy of unions within Ghana’s labour ecosystem.”
TEWU-GH has called on the broader labour movement to intervene and urged prominent labour leaders to refrain from divisive comments that may threaten unity among unions. “With respect for democratic and fair representation, we appeal to all comrades within the labour fraternity to advise brother Joshua Ansah to avoid statements that do not foster harmony at the labour front,” Abdul Rahaman said.
TEWU-GH has vowed to resist what it sees as an attempt to marginalize its members and is calling on GTEC to reverse the decision or face further action after the seven-day window expires.
The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, but it is clear that TEWU-GH is determined to protect its members’ interests and rights.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
