Accra, Aug. 20, GNA - The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) on Wednesday embarked on an indefinite strike action to back their demand for better conditions of service.

"Government has not demonstrated any seriousness in addressing our concern, consequently, we have been compelled by this inaction to take the painful but unavoidable decision of asking our members to withdraw their services with regard to teaching and administration," Dr Henry A. Pufaa UTAG President told Journalists in Accra.

The UTAG President said the members would only resume work if negotiations on the proposed salary structure for the Association is completed for implementation in January 2004 and a written confirmation of approval from Government to UTAG is made.

Dr Pufaa expressed disgust about the deplorable state of the University Teacher in terms of remunerations and other conditions of service and the proposed salary structure submitted to Government three years ago.

He said UTAG has over the years made numerous efforts to negotiate with Government on their demands, but all these efforts have, however, not yielded any positive results.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports on Tuesday, announced the resumption of the meetings of the Standing Joint Negotiation Committee comprising the Ministry, the Ministry of Finance and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Sector Minister, said the next meeting would take place on Wednesday, August 20 to finalise outstanding issues pertaining to the salaries of UTAG members.

It called on UTAG and the other stakeholders to exercise restraint while efforts were being made to reach a salary structure acceptable to all. 20 Aug. 2003