Ghana's three major teacher unions, GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT, have issued a joint notice to the government, demanding resolution of unpaid promotion arrears by midday on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The unions expressed concern over the government's failure to implement the 2025 promotion placement exercise and pay related arrears, despite an earlier agreement to automatically place all affected teachers by the end of September 2026. This delay has caused tension and anger among teachers nationwide.
The unions highlighted two other unresolved issues: the renewal of the Collective Agreement, which governs pay and working conditions for teaching staff, and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance, an incentive for teachers posted to underserved communities. Both issues remain unresolved despite prior assurances from the government. The unions warned that if the deadline passes without resolution, they will no longer be able to restrain teachers from taking matters into their own hands.
The ultimatum comes amid wider strain on Ghana's teaching workforce, illustrated by a chieftaincy conflict in Nkwanta South that has left 457 teaching posts vacant. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu recently promised uninterrupted feeding for senior high school students, following public alarm over a father's suicide linked to school costs. These developments point to mounting pressure on the education sector heading into the final stretch of the school term.
If the unions follow through on any escalation, it could disrupt teaching and learning in public basic and second-cycle schools nationwide, affecting millions of pupils and their families who rely on the school calendar running smoothly. For teachers themselves, unresolved promotion placements mean staff are working at ranks not reflected in their pay, while unpaid arrears represent money already owed for work already done.
The unions have urged teachers to stay calm and act only on instructions from their union leadership. They stated that whatever happens after the deadline, "duty bearers should take full responsibility," insisting the notice was "not a threat but a promise." The government has not yet issued a public response to the notice.
The dispute has significant implications for Ghanaian households, with potential disruptions to the education sector affecting millions of pupils and their families. The unions' actions could also have a ripple effect on the country's education system, which is already facing challenges. The government is expected to respond to the notice and resolve the outstanding issues.
The immediate flashpoint is midday on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when the government must settle the promotion placements, arrears, Collective Agreement renewal, and Deprived Area Allowance payments. The unions have not specified what form any further action would take if the deadline is not met.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government faces a deadline to resolve unpaid promotion arrears with teacher unions.
- Unresolved issues include promotion placements, Collective Agreement renewal, and Deprived Area Allowance payments.
- Failure to meet the deadline may trigger further action from the unions.
