Excerpt
The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) plays a pivotal role in representing and advocating for the interests of senior staff across Ghana’s public universities. This article delves into the association’s historical background, constitutional mandate, organizational structure, leadership, recruitment processes, constitutional reforms, collaborative units, achievements, and other pertinent details.
Historical Background
Originally known as the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), the association underwent a significant transformation in 2017. Dissatisfaction with FUSSAG’s national leadership led local leaders from five public universities to break away, resulting in the formation of the SSA-UoG. This move was driven by a desire for more effective representation and advocacy for senior staff members.
Constitutional Mandate
The SSA-UoG is dedicated to promoting the welfare and professional interests of senior staff in Ghana’s public universities. Its core objectives include:
- Advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions.
- Ensuring timely payment of benefits, such as Tier-2 pension contributions.
- Engaging in negotiations with government bodies to address members’ concerns.
For instance, in January 2024, the association met with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to discuss issues leading to a strike action, emphasizing their commitment to members’ welfare.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The SSA-UoG operates through a structured hierarchy comprising national executives and local chapter leaders within individual universities. Leadership positions typically include:
National Chairman:
- Oversees the association’s activities nationwide.
Vice-Chairman:
- Assists the chairman and may represent the association in their absence.
Secretary:
- Handles administrative duties and correspondence.
Treasurer:
- Manages the association’s finances.
For example, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch recently inducted new executives, including a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Trustee, Assistant Secretary, and Women’s Commissioner, reflecting the association’s commitment to structured leadership at the local level.
Mode of Appointment or Recruitment
Leaders within the SSA-UoG are typically elected through democratic processes during general meetings or congresses. Members nominate and vote for candidates to fill various positions, ensuring that leadership is representative and accountable to the broader membership.
Collaborative Units
The association collaborates with various governmental and educational bodies to further its objectives. Key collaborators include:
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC):
- Engages in discussions regarding salary structures and related concerns.
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC):
- Addresses issues related to tertiary education policies and staff welfare.
National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA):
- Ensures the proper management and disbursement of pension funds.
These collaborations are crucial for addressing members’ concerns, such as the timely payment of pensions and allowances.
Constitutional Reforms
The SSA-UoG periodically reviews its constitution to address emerging challenges and improve governance structures. These reforms aim to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure that the association remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members.
Achievements
The SSA-UoG has made significant strides in advocating for its members, including:
Negotiation Successes:
- In November 2024, after extensive negotiations, the association reached an agreement with the government, leading to improved conditions for senior staff.
Strike Actions:
- The association has effectively utilized strikes to highlight pressing issues, such as unpaid Tier-2 pension contributions, leading to positive outcomes for members.
References
- https://uew.edu.gh/p/news/uew-chapter-senior-staff-association-uog-inaugurated
- https://fairwages.gov.gh/1412-2/
- https://ucc.edu.gh/news/ssa-ucc-inducts-new-executives
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/government-reaches-agreement-with-university-senior-staff-association/
- https://citinewsroom.com/2024/01/senior-staff-of-universities-threaten-to-strike-over-unpaid-tier-2-contributions/
- https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2024/11/19/government-and-university-senior-staff-association-reach-agreement/
- https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/government-4/2024/
- https://3news.com/news/senior-staff-association-of-universities-of-ghana-suspends-strike/
- https://citinewsroom.com/2024/01/nlc-to-meet-universities-senior-staff-association-today-over-ongoing-strike/
- https://citinewsroom.com/2024/01/senior-staff-association-of-knust-ucc-withdraw-services/
- https://www.ug.edu.gh/about-ug/leadership