The National Executive Council (NEC) of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed its appreciation to the government for affirming post-retirement contract arrangements for retired academics with a wealth of tacit and explicit knowledge, while strongly opposing their appointment to administrative office-holding roles.

According to a 3news.com report on July 2, 2025, NEC noted that such arrangements enable continued impactful service to academia and national development.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Third Quarter NEC Meeting, held at the Akenten Appiah-Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in Kumasi, UTAG acknowledged the significant contributions of retired scholars.

These academics, upon retirement, continue to offer their expertise in mentorship, postgraduate supervision, advanced research, project development, and grant writing.

“We acknowledge with appreciation the government’s affirmation of post-retirement contract arrangements for scholars who, upon retirement, possess a wealth of tacit and explicit knowledge,” the statement read.

However, UTAG firmly opposed the assignment of leadership or administrative roles to retired staff on contract.

“UTAG strongly opposes the allocation of office-holding roles to post-retirement contract staff. This stance is informed by the significant number of qualified active members who are available and capable of serving in such leadership and administrative roles,” the communiqué said.

The association urged institutions to be guided by recent court rulings and previous decisions by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), particularly in cases involving the CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), and the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).

These rulings and decisions have often underscored limitations on the roles of retired staff.

“We firmly advocate that retired academic staff on contract be engaged primarily in research, mentorship, and teaching roles, rather than occupying positions of administrative authority,” UTAG stated.

In line with this, UTAG has called on GTEC to withdraw its directive, issued on May 16, 2025, which permits post-retirement contract staff to hold office upon application.

This directive has been a point of contention, with UTAG arguing it undermines opportunities for active members.

MRA/VPO

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