The President of PRETAG, King Ali Awudu, has expressed concerns over the meager salary increases received by some promoted teachers, citing a GH¢100 increase for teachers promoted from Assistant Director to Deputy Director. He stated that this situation, combined with outstanding arrears and unresolved concerns over teachers' conditions of service, has led the unions to declare an indefinite nationwide strike. Awudu warned that teachers would not return to the classroom until their issues are resolved.
According to Awudu, some teachers who were due for promotion two years ago have only recently received their promotions, resulting in significant outstanding arrears. He explained that teachers have made concessions by sacrificing part of their arrears to support the government but have yet to receive some of the outstanding payments. For instance, a teacher who was supposed to be promoted two years ago now has 24 months' arrears owed to them.
The disparity in salaries following promotions is another major concern for the teachers. Awudu mentioned that someone promoted from Principal Superintendent to Assistant Director Two receives a salary difference of just about GH¢100. He also complained about inadequate allowances, stating that teachers currently receive about GH¢800 annually and have been demanding an increase.
Awudu attributed the frustration among teachers to the government's handling of their conditions of service. He stated that teacher unions often delay industrial action due to the impact on students and parents but warned that continued inaction could have wider consequences. The unions have been trying to engage the government, but their efforts have been met with delays.
The decision to strike was taken after repeated efforts to engage the government failed. Awudu urged the government to recognize the importance of teachers to national development and address their concerns urgently. He emphasized that teachers provide a critical service that promotes development and enlightens the country.
The comments come after the three teacher unions, including PRETAG, declared a nationwide industrial action effective Friday, September 25, 2026. The unions cited frustrations over the handling of their conditions of service by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD). PRETAG says the strike will remain in force until the outstanding concerns are satisfactorily addressed.
The strike action has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some calling for an independent probe into the issues. The Minority has urged the government to resolve the teachers' grievances amidst the industrial action. The situation remains tense as the government and teacher unions engage in negotiations to address the concerns and prevent further disruptions to the education sector.
Key points
- Promoted Ghanaian teachers are receiving minimal salary increases, with some getting only GH¢100 more per month.
- The Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike over the issues.
- The strike is over the government's handling of teachers' conditions of service, including outstanding arrears and inadequate allowances.
