Tarkwa, Sept. 10, GNA - A Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has tasked the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to be active in making tertiary education helpful to society.

He said re-orienting progammes in their various universities to meet the pressing needs of the Ghanaian industries would contribute enormously to economic growth.

Mr. Ayariga said this in Tarkwa, when he delivered an address at the 15th National Biennial Delegates Conference of UTAG.

The three-day congress attended by about 150 delegates, which started on September 7, is on the theme: 93Financing Tertiary Education -Current Perspective."

The Deputy Minister explained that the government was aware of the lack of infrastructure and its effect on the standard of education so it would do its maximum best towards improving the standard.

A four-member executive from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) was elected to supervise the activities of the local association for two years.

They include Dr. Anthony Simons - President, Mr. Kakraba Dakubu - Vice President, Mr. Solomon Nunoo, Secretary and Dr. Grace Ofori Sarpong, Treasurer.

Addressing the delegates on behalf of the outgoing executives, the immediate past President, Dr. Samuel Kwasi Aseidu-Addo, explained that, UTAG had been a key player in the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy which came into force in January 2010.

He said the National Executive Committee of UTAG had been working closely with the Fair Wages and Salary Commission to ensure a smooth migration in to the spine structure.

Mr. Aseidu-Addo recalled that at their meeting with the Fair Wages Commission on September 10, 2009, UTAG identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed prior to the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure.

According to him, UTAG observed that the instrument used for the job evaluation by the FWC did not realistically capture most of the important workings of the University.

Mr. Asiedu-Addo said UTAG, therefore, called for job re-evaluation stating that it was difficult for them as executives to understand why the FWSC had consistently refused to discuss the job re-evaluation report.

He said though the government had given the assurance that UTAG would be migrated on to the spine this September they would ensure that they did not lose out.

The incoming President of UTAG, Dr. Anthony Simons, congratulated his predecessors for their invaluable services to the association while in office.

He promised to work hard towards enhancing the welfare of members.