The Ghanaian government is set to meet with pre-tertiary teacher unions on September 28, 2026, to address their concerns regarding conditions of service. The meeting comes after the unions announced an intended nationwide strike, citing unresolved issues. President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Jacob Anaba, expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to meaningful progress in addressing their concerns. The unions have raised concerns over a proposed 10% increase in the digital allowance and the placement of 80,000 teachers on the appropriate salary scale.
The teacher unions, including the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), directed all pre-tertiary teachers to halt work with immediate effect until their concerns are addressed. According to King Ali Awudu, President of PRETAG, attempts to negotiate a new agreement since last year have been unsuccessful, and their conditions of service expired in June. The unions are demanding a resolution to these issues, which have been ongoing for some time.
One of the key concerns raised by the unions is the proposed 10% increase in the digital allowance, which currently amounts to GH¢800 annually. Additionally, about 80,000 teachers who took aptitude tests in December 2025 and February 2026 were yet to be placed on the appropriate salary scale, despite an earlier agreement to do so and the processing of September salaries. The unions are seeking a resolution to these issues to improve their working conditions.
In a related development, the Ghana Education Service (GES) announced in October 2025 that it had received financial clearance to pay the salaries of 6,249 teachers recruited in 2024. These teachers had been working after their postings but hadn’t been placed on the government’s payroll, hence they were not receiving salaries for their services. The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, announced that the government would absorb these teachers into the education system and settle all arrears owed them.
The Education Minister revealed that the government had earmarked about GH₵1.1 billion to absorb a category of health workers and teachers. He urged the teachers to give their best to promote academic excellence across the country’s educational institutions. The Minister’s announcement came after a group of concerned and aggrieved teachers petitioned his office over delayed salaries.
The meeting between the government and the teacher unions is expected to provide an opportunity for both parties to explore possible measures to resolve the outstanding issues. The unions have expressed willingness to engage in discussions to find a solution. President Jacob Anaba stated that they would avail themselves to resolve the issues and make sure that they are addressed.
The outcome of the meeting will determine the fate of the nationwide strike, which could have significant implications for Ghana’s education sector. The government’s engagement with the teacher unions is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the issues and ensuring the smooth operation of schools. The meeting’s success will depend on the willingness of both parties to find common ground and work towards a resolution.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government is set to meet with pre-tertiary teacher unions to address concerns over conditions of service.
- The teacher unions have raised concerns over a proposed 10% increase in the digital allowance and the placement of 80,000 teachers on the appropriate salary scale.
- The meeting’s outcome will determine the fate of the nationwide strike and its implications for Ghana’s education sector.
