Gov’t Approves 2024/25 Book & Research Allowance for Senior Staff of Public Tertiary Institutions

By Top Knowledge Media
Published: June 12, 2025

Accra, Ghana – The Government has officially approved the disbursement of the 2024/25 Book and Research Allowance for senior academic and non-academic staff at public universities and colleges of education, aiming to support scholarly work amidst rising tensions in the tertiary education sector.

???? Approved Allowances

Under the new framework:

• Senior academic staff will receive USD 1,500 as Book Allowance and USD 1,600 as Research Allowance.

• Senior non-academic staff are entitled to USD 1,500 as Book Allowance

The cedi equivalent of these allowances will be determined using the Bank of Ghana’s average exchange rate of GHS 15.47/USD, covering the period from September 2, 2024, to March 28, 2025. 

????️ Disbursement & Compliance

A June 2025 circular from the Ministry of Finance mandates that all institutional claims be:

1. Audited and validated by the Internal Audit Units.

2. Submitted in duplicate, using a standard template, to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for processing. 

???? Context & Significance

Payment follows sustained pressure from tertiary staff unions: UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG, who had threatened industrial action over delays in exchange-rate determination and late release of allowances. 

On June 10, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, reassured union leaders that the 2025 Budget includes full provision for Book and Research Allowances, with disbursement already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Education???? Implications for Tertiary Education

• Immediate Relief: The approval is expected to ease financial strain on senior staff and reduce the likelihood of industrial unrest.

• Academic Boost: Allowances provide vital resources for purchase of books, journals, and research materials, essential for academic development.

• Budgetary Discipline: The outlined validation process underscores efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of public funds.

✅ What’s Next

Institutions are urged to:

• Submit audited claims promptly to meet processing timelines.

• Ensure compliance with the auditing and validation procedures.

• Collaborate with GTEC and Ministries to facilitate swift fund release.

???? Bottom Line

This move affirms the government’s commitment to supporting higher education, recognizing the importance of academic remuneration and institutional accountability. As tertiary institutions await payments, the spotlight now turns to timely implementation and measurable improvements in academic output.