The three teacher unions in Ghana's Upper West Region - GNAT, NAGRAT, and PRETAG - have thrown their full weight behind the ongoing nationwide strike. They are demanding concrete and verifiable evidence of action on outstanding demands before ending the industrial action. The unions, speaking at a joint press conference in Wa on October 1, 2026, expressed frustration after years of negotiations, assurances, and promises that have not yielded results.
The unions identified three major issues driving the strike. Their Collective Agreement and Conditions of Service have expired, with negotiations for a new agreement facing significant delays. They are pushing for immediate commencement and expedited conclusion of negotiations to provide teachers with updated conditions of service reflecting the realities of the profession.
Another key demand is the correct salary placement and payment of accumulated arrears for teachers who have been promoted but have not received corresponding financial benefits. The unions argue that promotion without financial implementation is incomplete, as affected teachers have already assumed additional responsibilities.
The unions are also demanding the implementation of the 20% Deprived Area Allowance, part of their Collective Agreement since 2016. They argue that teachers in deprived communities have waited about 10 years for the agreed allowance to be implemented. While welcoming commitments from the current government, they insist that these commitments must translate into actual payments.
The Upper West leadership of GNAT, NAGRAT, and PRETAG emphasized that teachers will not return to the classroom based solely on government assurances. They want demonstrable evidence of payment, correct salary placement of promoted teachers, and tangible progress on outstanding demands. The unions are calling for evidence of implementation, not just promises.
The unions reaffirmed their support for the national leadership and urged teachers across the Upper West Region to remain united and disciplined throughout the industrial action. They stressed that the strike is a collective demand for respect, fairness, accountability, and implementation of agreed conditions and legitimate entitlements.
While committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution, the unions emphasized that dialogue must produce tangible results. They called for an end to indefinite promises, delays, and assurances without evidence, insisting that the time for implementation is now. The unions, led by Ransford Owusu-Adjei, Regional Secretary of GNAT, are adamant that no further promises will suffice.
Key points
- The teacher unions demand concrete evidence of action on outstanding issues before ending the strike.
- The unions are pushing for the implementation of the 20% Deprived Area Allowance, which has been part of their Collective Agreement since 2016.
- The strike is driven by issues including expired Collective Agreements, delayed negotiations, and unpaid arrears for promoted teachers.
