Parents in Keta, Volta Region, Ghana, have expressed relief over the suspension of a nationwide strike by teacher unions, citing the positive impact on academic activities and family life. The strike, which had been ongoing, was called off after the government and teacher unions reached an agreement. Madam Sewoenam Hedeglo, a mother of three, welcomed the development, saying it would ease concerns about the effects of prolonged school closures on children's education.
The strike had disrupted teaching and learning, creating uncertainty among families and threatening the academic progress of pupils and students across the country. Parents were worried about learners' preparations for examinations, noting that time spent away from school could affect their concentration, understanding of lessons, and readiness for important assessments. Madam Hedeglo also stressed that the strike had placed additional pressure on working parents, particularly those who had to make alternative arrangements for their children while attending to their daily economic activities.
Mr. Korbla Dovlo, a parent, described the suspension of the strike as encouraging and urged the government and teacher unions to honour their commitments to prevent a recurrence of the situation. He emphasized that children needed consistent classroom instruction and guidance from teachers to develop their academic abilities and that prolonged interruptions could widen learning gaps, especially among pupils who depended heavily on classroom teaching.
Under the agreement, about 52,000 promoted teachers are expected to receive their salary adjustments on October 16, 2026, while the remaining cases are expected to be addressed by the end of October. Parents urged the government to ensure that the agreed payment arrangements were implemented within the stipulated period, warning that failure to honour the commitments could undermine confidence in the negotiations and create grounds for further industrial action.
The parents also appealed to teachers to return to the classrooms with renewed commitment and help learners recover lost instructional time. They called on education authorities to put measures in place to minimise the impact of the disruption on the academic calendar. The successful implementation of the agreement, they said, would restore confidence among teachers, parents, and students.
Both parties were urged to maintain open communication and resolve future disagreements through dialogue in the interest of education and national development. The suspension of the strike was seen as a welcome development that would help restore academic activities and alleviate concerns among parents and students.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) had called off the industrial action after reaching an agreement with the government. Parents and education stakeholders are now calling for the implementation of the agreement to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the education sector.
Key points
- The suspension of the strike is expected to ease concerns about the effects of prolonged school closures on children's education.
- The agreement includes the payment of salary adjustments to 52,000 promoted teachers by October 16, 2026.
- Parents and education stakeholders are calling for the implementation of the agreement to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the education sector.
