Teachers’ Strike Continues as Council of State Steps In; Promotion Payments Targeted for Mid-October

Ghana’s pre-tertiary teachers’ strike remains unresolved as the Council of State prepares to meet union leaders on Friday, October 9, in a fresh attempt to help settle the dispute.

The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Council’s Secretariat, according to MyJoyOnline. It will provide an opportunity for the unions to present their concerns over promotions, deprived-area allowances and collective bargaining negotiations. (myjoyonline.com⁠)

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) declared the nationwide strike on September 25.

Their demands include the placement of promoted teachers on the appropriate salary scales, payment of outstanding arrears, implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance and the conclusion of a new Collective Agreement. The unions say prolonged delays and unfulfilled commitments prompted the industrial action. (graphic.com.gh⁠)

Meanwhile, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department has reported progress in processing promotion records for 52,000 teachers.

Controller and Accountant-General Kwasi Agyei said the required documents had been received from the Ghana Education Service and were undergoing verification. Payments for teachers whose records are successfully validated are being targeted for October 15 or before October 16.

The timetable remains subject to verification and does not mean that all affected teachers have already received their arrears. (kumasi.city⁠)

Earlier negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission ended without agreement on October 6. Following those discussions, NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba said the strike would continue while negotiations proceeded.

The Commission’s Chief Executive, Dr George Smith-Graham, expressed commitment to reaching an agreement that would allow teachers to return to classrooms. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu had also assured teachers that outstanding arrears would be paid by the end of October. (gna.org.gh⁠)

As of Friday morning, the reports reviewed for this update contained no announcement ending the strike. The Council of State’s scheduled engagement had yet to take place.