The Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has agreed to attend a meeting scheduled by the government, provided its members have the time to do so. According to PRETAG Vice President Adokwei Ayikwei Awulley, the unions have no issues with the Controller and Accountant-General's Department, but are focused on implementing agreements reached with the government. The meeting comes amidst an ongoing strike by teacher unions over stalled negotiations for a new Collective Agreement.
The existing Collective Agreement expired, and the teacher unions had expected the process to be completed by June 2026. However, the negotiations have stalled, prompting the unions to embark on a strike. The teachers are also demanding the automatic placement of newly promoted teachers who successfully completed aptitude tests in December 2025 and February 2026. The unions claim that the failure to implement the agreement has left the affected teachers without placement on their respective salary scales, with arrears dating from January 2026.
Mr. Awulley emphasized that the unions remain ready to engage with the government if there is a genuine commitment to resolving the issues. One of their key expectations is for the government to put measures in place to ensure that teachers working in deprived areas receive the appropriate allowance by the end of September. He stressed that the focus is on ensuring that the commitments reached with the government are implemented.
The PRETAG Vice President also expressed concern that promises made by President John Mahama to the teacher unions ahead of the elections have yet to be fulfilled. He stated that the unions are still in the same situation as before, despite the promises made. Mr. Awulley added that teachers who have been promoted must also be placed on the appropriate salary scale.
According to Mr. Awulley, if the government is ready to reach an agreement and implement the outstanding commitments, the unions are prepared to engage. The CAGD has processed and paid promotion arrears to 6,079 teachers, but the unions are seeking a comprehensive resolution to the issues. The government has scheduled a meeting with the unions, and it remains to be seen whether a resolution will be reached.
The strike by teacher unions has significant implications for the education sector in Ghana. The unions are seeking a new Collective Agreement, which would address issues such as salary scales, promotions, and allowances. The government has been urged to take a proactive approach to resolving the issues, to prevent further disruptions to the academic calendar.
The outcome of the meeting between the government and the teacher unions will be crucial in determining the next steps in the negotiations. If an agreement is reached, it could pave the way for a resolution to the strike and the implementation of the outstanding commitments. However, if the meeting fails to yield a resolution, the strike could continue, with potential consequences for the education sector.
Key points
- PRETAG agrees to attend government meeting if time permits
- Ongoing strike by teacher unions over stalled negotiations for new Collective Agreement
- Unions demand implementation of agreements reached with government, including automatic placement of newly promoted teachers
