The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as an “illegal and reckless” nationwide strike declared by a breakaway faction calling itself the Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU-GH).
At a press conference held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, TEWU-GH announced an indefinite strike.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of TEWU-TUC, King James Azortibah, this action is nothing more than “a desperate, unlawful, and dangerous attempt by a disgruntled breakaway group to subvert legitimate union structures, undermine industrial peace, and recklessly jeopardise the smooth running of public universities.”
TEWU-TUC asserts its legal standing
“We wish to state unequivocally that TEWU of TUC is the legally recognised union mandated to represent educational workers in public universities across the country,” said King James Azortibah, General Secretary of TEWU-TUC.
He referenced official recognition by key national bodies, stating, “This has been affirmed in no uncertain terms by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) in a letter dated 2nd August 2023. That letter clearly states that TEWU of TUC holds the Collective Bargaining Certificate for the class of workers in contention. Section 99 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) is unambiguous in this regard.”
Azortibah also cited the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which in an official letter dated 18th June 2025, directed all public traditional universities to “swear in TEWU of TUC representatives and not to entertain any imposters from the so-called Tertiary Education Workers Union.”
Strike described as ‘bad faith and lawlessness’
In its statement, TEWU-TUC condemned the strike action as “arbitrary, undemocratic, irresponsible, and an affront to established industrial order.”
“We view this so-called strike as an act of bad faith and an orchestrated distraction by a splinter group that continues to seek relevance through disorder and lawlessness,” the statement read. “Their refusal to follow the laid-down legal processes in challenging representation and their resort to public disorder is a gross abuse of union freedoms and an insult to the intelligence of discerning workers.”
TEWU-TUC emphasised that TEWU-GH “does not have the legal capacity to represent or negotiate for the category of workers in public universities,” warning that their actions pose “a dangerous threat to national industrial harmony.”
A call for calm and unity
The union called on its members nationwide to remain calm and focused in the face of “diversionary antics.”
“We urge all gallant and loyal members of TEWU of TUC to remain resolute, steadfast, and focused,” Azortibah said. “Treat this illegal strike with the contempt it deserves and continue to discharge your duties with dedication, dignity, and commitment, knowing that you are duly and lawfully represented.”
He added, “Let us not be deceived by the rhetoric of a few misled individuals who are bent on sowing seeds of confusion. History and law are on our side.”
TEWU-TUC reaffirmed its commitment to “engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders and authorities to protect members’ rights, defend their interests, and pursue improved working and living conditions.”
By Daniel Opoku
