The Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to resume its industrial action if outstanding promotion arrears are not paid to its members by November 16. The association had earlier suspended its strike after the government committed to settling the arrears by the end of October. However, with the deadline looming, PRETAG is insistent that it will not hesitate to call its members back from the classroom if the government fails to fulfill its obligations.
The promotion arrears in question are part of a broader set of concerns raised by teachers, including delayed promotions, deprived-area allowances, and negotiations on a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Ministry of Education. The unions have also expressed concerns over a proposed 10% increase in the digital allowance, which currently stands at GH¢800 annually. According to Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, the government is committed to addressing these concerns and has accepted responsibility for honouring its obligations as an employer.
On October 29, Haruna Iddrisu addressed a two-day symposium and exhibition organised for teachers by the National Teaching Council (NTC) at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra. During his address, he assured teachers that the government would settle all outstanding payments, including promotion arrears, by October 30. Iddrisu went further, stating that he would be held accountable if the payments were not made, adding that he would have "no honour" if the government's commitments were not fulfilled.
Despite Iddrisu's assurances, PRETAG remains resolute in its stance, warning that it will resume its industrial action if the arrears are not paid by November 16. According to the association, the government's earlier commitment to pay the arrears by the end of October was not met, prompting the need for an extension. The Council of State and other stakeholders have called on the union to give the government more time to pay the affected teachers, but PRETAG appears unconvinced.
The PRETAG ultimatum comes at a time when petrol prices are expected to fall from November 1, according to reports. The decrease in petrol prices is attributed to an increase in the diesel floor. While this development may bring some relief to the general public, it does little to alleviate the concerns of teachers who are yet to receive their promotion arrears.
The Ghanaian government's commitment to paying promotion arrears to teachers has been called into question by PRETAG's threat to resume its industrial action. With the November 16 deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the government's next move. It remains to be seen whether the government will honour its commitments and avoid a potential strike by teachers.
As the deadline draws near, teachers across the country are anxiously waiting for the government's response. PRETAG's threat to resume its industrial action has raised concerns about the potential impact on the education sector. With the government's credibility on the line, it is imperative that a resolution is reached soon to avoid any further disruptions to the academic calendar.
Key points
- PRETAG threatens to resume strike if promotion arrears remain unpaid by Nov 16
- Ghana's Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, assures teachers of government's commitment to paying arrears
- Teachers' concerns include delayed promotions, deprived-area allowances, and negotiations on Collective Bargaining Agreement
