The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered the immediate suspension of the strike initiated by the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA), labelling the action as illegal and procedurally incorrect.

This directive came after a hearing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, involving representatives from the Divisional Union, the National Union of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), and key government agencies including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that the strike had been declared solely by the Divisional Union without approval from the National Union—an act deemed a violation of Ghana’s labour laws. The laws prohibit local or divisional branches from declaring industrial actions independently.

The National Union admitted to the procedural breach and issued an apology to the Commission.

“The Commission observed that it received notification of a strike declared by the Divisional Union, NIA of PSWU, and asked the National Union to confirm same. The National Union confirmed the Divisional Union called the strike, which the Commission ruled was improper. The Union acknowledged the error and apologized,” the NLC stated.

Consequently, the NLC directed the immediate cessation of the strike and instructed the National Union to initiate negotiations with the NIA, Ministry of Finance, and FWSC concerning unresolved issues, particularly the demand for a 20% operational support allowance.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for July 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., during which all parties are expected to report on compliance with the NLC’s orders and provide updates on negotiation progress.

The Commission emphasized the need for all labour-related grievances to be addressed through the appropriate legal frameworks to maintain order and protect the rights of all stakeholders.

The Government of Ghana has confirmed that 188 of its nationals have been marked for deportation by the United States, as part of a renewed immigration enforcement effort under President Donald Trump’s administration.

At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, June 26, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that U.S. authorities had officially communicated the deportation list to the Ministry. He emphasized Ghana’s full cooperation with American agencies to ensure the deportation process is handled humanely and with dignity.

“We have been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump’s deportation list,” Mr. Ablakwa said. “Our embassies in New York and Washington are coordinating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being issued promptly.”

The Minister assured the public that the government is taking every measure to ensure deportees are welcomed respectfully and supported upon arrival. A reintegration programme, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service, has already been activated.

“We will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and assist them in starting afresh. Many are returning under distressing circumstances, some without possessions or money. Our support will be discreet and dignified,” he added.

This development follows a Washington Post report indicating that the Trump administration is considering expanding visa and travel restrictions to cover up to 36 countries—almost doubling the number from Trump’s first term. Although Ghana has not been named on the prospective list, the government remains cautious.

“We’ve held constructive discussions with the U.S. State Department and the White House,” Ablakwa said. “Ghana’s longstanding strategic relationship with the U.S. positions us well. We expect fair treatment, given our consistent record of cooperation.”

He further noted that 56 of the 188 individuals listed have already been repatriated, with the remainder in various stages of processing. While acknowledging the U.S.’s sovereign right to enforce immigration laws, he called for respect for the fundamental rights of the affected individuals.

In a related update, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana had recently assisted U.S. authorities in the arrest and extradition of suspects involved in a $100 million fraud case. He highlighted this as evidence of the strong, mature ties between both nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining diplomatic engagement and ensuring that any actions taken by the U.S. conform to international human rights standards.

The University of Ghana has suspended all social events on its Legon campus after a spike in COVID-19 infections among students. However, lectures will proceed as scheduled, according to a directive issued by the Dean of Student Affairs.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 26, Professor Rosina Kyerematen, Dean of Student Affairs, clarified that only social gatherings are affected — not academic lectures.

“Lectures are not social gatherings,” she explained. “In a lecture hall, students listen and take notes quietly. The risk of transmission is much lower compared to a social event like an artiste night, where there is loud excitement and close contact.”

She assured the public that strict safety protocols would be in place for lectures. “Students must wear face masks and maintain social distancing in lecture rooms,” she added.

The announcement follows a June 25 notice from the Dean of Student Affairs’ office, which banned all social gatherings organized by student bodies — including the Student Representative Council (SRC), Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Junior Common Rooms (JCRs), and departmental groups.

The decision was prompted by several confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus, as recommended by the university’s Emergency Response Team. While the exact number of infections has not been released, the increase in cases has raised concern among the university community.

The University of Ghana, which previously adopted online teaching during COVID-19 waves in 2020 and 2021, assured that this current surge would not interrupt the academic calendar. University authorities continue to encourage strict adherence to safety protocols and urge those with symptoms to report immediately to campus health services for testing and care.

Social events will remain suspended until further notice.

Read the full notice by the university: