The Ghana Education Service (GES) has appealed to pre-tertiary teacher unions to suspend their ongoing strike as the government engages relevant institutions to resolve their outstanding concerns. Director-General of the GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, expressed concern that the industrial action could threaten the stability of the academic calendar. He noted that the government was working with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, to address the issues raised by the unions.
The strike by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) began on September 25. The unions are demanding the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, progress on negotiations for a new Collective Agreement, and the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance, among other concerns. The industrial action comes less than two weeks after the commencement of the new academic year.
Professor Davis emphasized that the 2026/27 academic year represents a significant step towards restoring predictability to Ghana’s education system. For the first time in about six years, students across various levels of pre-tertiary education reported to school within September. He described this development as the result of sustained efforts to restore stability to the academic calendar.
The GES Director-General acknowledged that challenges remained but said maintaining the stability of the academic year must be a shared responsibility. He cited measures undertaken by the GES to improve conditions for teachers, including the mechanisation of promotions, while assuring educators that the Service remained committed to meeting its obligations.
Professor Davis urged the unions to reconsider their decision and allow the ongoing engagements to continue. He stated that the synchronised academic calendar was important not only for schools but also for parents and other stakeholders, as it allowed them to plan around clearly defined academic timelines.
The GES warning that prolonged disruption could affect efforts to maintain the restored academic calendar. The Director-General’s appeal to the teacher unions comes after a press briefing on Tuesday, September 29. He expressed hope that the issues would be resolved amicably and that the academic calendar would not be disrupted further.
The Ghana Education Service is working hard to address the concerns of the teacher unions. Key issues include the payment of outstanding promotion arrears and the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance. The GES remains committed to meeting its obligations to teachers and ensuring the stability of the academic calendar.
Key points
- The Ghana Education Service appeals to pre-tertiary teacher unions to suspend their ongoing strike.
- The strike began on September 25, with unions demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears and implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
- The 2026/27 academic year marks a significant step towards restoring predictability to Ghana’s education system.
