The Ministry of Education in Ghana has expressed its appreciation for the decision by three teacher unions to suspend their nationwide strike. This move enables public basic schools across the country to resume normal academic activities on Monday, 12 October 2026. The strike, initiated on 25 September 2026, was called off on Friday, 9 October 2026, following negotiations with the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) had embarked on the industrial action over the government's failure to address their conditions of service. The unions suspended the strike after reaching an agreement with the FWSC on outstanding allowances and arrears. This agreement was achieved through engagements with the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment and the Council of State.
The General Secretary of GNAT, Mr Thomas Musah, has urged members to return to work. He confirmed that discussions with the FWSC on promotion and deprived-area allowances, as well as outstanding arrears, had been concluded. The union leadership has asked members to resume work on Monday, 12 October 2026, while engagements on their outstanding grievances continue.
In a statement issued on Friday, 9 October 2026, the Ministry of Education described the decision to suspend the strike as a positive step towards resolving outstanding concerns through dialogue and mutual understanding. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with the unions, the FWSC, and other stakeholders to address outstanding issues and improve teachers' welfare.
The Ministry of Education has expressed gratitude to teachers, parents, learners, and other stakeholders for their patience and resilience during the industrial action. The Ministry urged all parties to sustain the spirit of cooperation and good faith to consolidate the gains made through negotiations. This, the Ministry believes, will ensure stability and continuity in the delivery of quality education.
The Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to strengthening industrial harmony and creating an environment in which teachers are valued, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to Ghana's education transformation agenda. This commitment is part of the Ministry's efforts to address the concerns raised by the teacher unions and ensure a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
With the suspension of the strike, public basic schools in Ghana are set to resume normal classes on Monday, 12 October 2026. The Ministry of Education, teacher unions, and other stakeholders are expected to continue engagements to address outstanding issues and improve the welfare of teachers in the country.
Key points
- The Ministry of Education commends teacher unions for suspending strike.
- Public basic schools resume normal classes on Monday, 12 October 2026.
- The strike was suspended after an agreement was reached with the FWSC on outstanding allowances and arrears.
