Ghana's Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is set to meet with the leadership of the country's three pre-tertiary teacher unions on Monday, September 28, 2026. The meeting aims to address the unions' outstanding concerns, including unpaid promotion arrears and unresolved demands. Representatives from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PTAG) will be present, along with officials from the Ministry of Education and other government institutions.
The nationwide strike, which began on Friday, September 25, 2026, has been caused by the unions' frustration over prolonged delays and unfulfilled commitments. The unions had expected negotiations for a new collective agreement to conclude by June 2026, but these talks have stalled. The existing agreement has expired, and the unions are seeking a replacement. They are also demanding the automatic placement of teachers who passed promotion examinations in December 2025 and February 2026 onto the appropriate salary scales.
The teacher unions are seeking payment of salary arrears with effect from January 2026 for the delayed promotions. Another key demand is the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance for teachers working in underserved communities. According to the unions, repeated engagements with government institutions have failed to resolve the outstanding matters, leading to the industrial action. The meeting with the Education Minister is expected to focus on these demands and explore measures to resolve the dispute.
The meeting will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Controller and Accountant-General's Department. The FWSC has been involved in negotiations with the unions, but a resolution has yet to be reached. The Controller and Accountant-General's Department is also crucial in addressing the unions' demands, particularly regarding the payment of salary arrears.
The strike has disrupted the academic calendar, with schools across the country affected. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), NAGRAT, and PTAG have urged their members to remain committed to the industrial action until their demands are met. The unions have emphasized that their action is not taken lightly, but they feel compelled to take this step due to the government's inaction on their concerns.
The Education Minister's meeting with the teacher unions is seen as a critical step towards resolving the dispute. The Minister has a reputation for engaging with stakeholders and finding solutions to complex problems. However, it remains to be seen whether the meeting will yield a resolution to the strike and the return of teachers to the classroom.
The outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by educators, policymakers, and the general public. A resolution to the strike would help mitigate the impact on the academic calendar and ensure that students receive the education they deserve. The meeting's success will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions to the outstanding issues.
Key points
- The Ghana Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu meets teacher unions to address concerns over unpaid promotion arrears and other demands.
- The nationwide strike has disrupted the academic calendar, with schools across the country affected.
- The meeting's outcome will be crucial in determining whether a resolution to the strike can be reached.
