The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has hinted that the government may take additional steps if teachers do not end their strike by Friday, October 9. Dr. Smith Graham addressed the media on Wednesday, October 7, stating that both parties had signed documents intended to bring the strike to an end. He emphasized that continuing the industrial action while negotiations are ongoing is not acceptable.
The strike, which began on September 25, 2026, is led by pre-tertiary unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The unions are demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears and salary adjustments for promoted teachers, progress on negotiations for a new collective agreement and conditions of service, and the implementation of the 20% deprived-area allowance.
A crunch meeting held on Tuesday, October 5, between the FWSC, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the teacher unions ended without an agreement. The parties are expected to reconvene on Wednesday, October 7, as the government continues efforts to address the concerns that triggered the industrial action. General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musa, urged teachers to remain resolute, stating that the unions are awaiting concrete timelines from the government.
The strike has disrupted teaching and learning in public pre-tertiary schools across Ghana. The unions insist that concrete commitments are needed before they will consider calling off the action. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has appealed to the striking teachers to return to the classroom, assuring them that the government is working towards an amicable resolution of the issues.
Minister Iddrisu previously announced that the 20% deprived-area allowance would be paid after the validation of teachers eligible for the allowance is completed. The FWSC and GES are working closely with the unions to address their concerns. Dr. Graham stressed that the government is committed to resolving the issues but emphasized that the strike must end.
Wednesday, October 7, marks the 12th day of the strike. The FWSC is playing a crucial role in mediating between the government and the teacher unions. The outcome of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, will determine the next steps in the negotiations.
The government remains committed to resolving the concerns of the teacher unions. Key issues, including the payment of outstanding promotion arrears and the implementation of the 20% deprived-area allowance, must be addressed. The FWSC's warning of stricter action if the strike continues indicates the government's determination to bring the industrial action to an end.
Key points
- The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has warned of stricter action if teachers do not end their strike by Friday, October 9.
- The strike, led by pre-tertiary unions, is demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears and salary adjustments for promoted teachers.
- Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has appealed to the striking teachers to return to the classroom, assuring them that the government is working towards an amicable resolution.
