The Ghana Education Service has appealed to striking teacher unions to call off their industrial action, warning that the strike threatens the country's hard-won return to a stable academic calendar. According to Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, schools reopened in September for the first time in about six years, and the strike puts this gain at risk. He emphasized that the timely reopening allowed for better planning for parents, schools, and stakeholders.
The strike, which began on September 25, 2026, was declared by the Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana. The unions are demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears, progress on negotiations for a new Collective Agreement, and implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance. Professor Davis stated that the government and relevant state institutions are engaging the unions to find solutions.
Professor Davis pointed to steps the GES has taken on teachers' concerns, including the mechanization of promotions last year. He assured teachers that the Service remains committed to meeting its obligations despite the challenges facing the education sector. The Director-General emphasized that protecting the stability of the academic calendar remains a priority and urged all stakeholders to work towards a school year without further disruption.
The GES is working with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, the Controller and Accountant-General's Department, and other stakeholders to address the teachers' concerns. Professor Davis appealed to the unions to reconsider their decision while those engagements continue. He associated himself with the Ministry of Education's appeal to teachers to rescind their decision.
The strike began barely two weeks into the new academic year, which had started on a positive note with students reporting to school within September for the first time in approximately six years. This was achieved through hard work, according to Professor Davis. The Director-General expressed hope that the issues would be resolved amicably.
The Ghana Education Service's appeal to the striking teachers comes at a critical time, as the strike threatens to disrupt the academic calendar once again. The GES is committed to finding solutions to the teachers' concerns and ensuring that the academic year continues without further disruption. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the impasse.
The Director-General's appeal is a clear indication that the government is taking the situation seriously and is committed to finding a solution. The GES is working tirelessly to address the teachers' concerns and ensure that the academic calendar is not disrupted further.
Key points
- The Ghana Education Service warns that the strike threatens the country's hard-won return to a stable academic calendar.
- The striking teacher unions are demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears, progress on negotiations for a new Collective Agreement, and implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
- The GES is working with relevant stakeholders to find solutions to the teachers' concerns and ensure that the academic year continues without further disruption.
