A nationwide strike by three teacher unions has disrupted teaching and learning at some public pre-tertiary schools in Tema, Ghana. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) declared the industrial action effective September 25, 2026. The strike is over outstanding concerns about their conditions of service, promotion-related arrears, and allowances.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to Padmore Street Primary School, Twedaase JHS, and Akodzo JHS in Tema Community One on the third day of the strike showed the schools’ premises deserted. The main gate and access to the classrooms of the Padmore Street Primary School were locked, with no teachers or pupils seen on the premises during the visit. This suggests that the strike is being fully observed by the teachers.
The usually busy schools were empty, and food vendors who operated around the schools were also left with no customers as the pupils stayed away from school. This has had an impact on the local economy, with vendors losing business due to the absence of students. The strike appears to be having a ripple effect on the community.
The development comes as the Education Ministry engages the unions in an effort to resolve the dispute and restore teaching and learning. The Ministry is likely to face pressure to address the concerns of the teacher unions, which include conditions of service, promotion-related arrears, and allowances. The outcome of these negotiations will determine when schools will reopen.
The strike by the three teacher unions has affected schools across the country, not just in Tema. The Ghana News Agency reported that the strike was nationwide, indicating that many schools are currently not in session. The unions are seeking to address their concerns through negotiations with the government.
The Education Ministry's engagement with the unions is crucial in resolving the dispute. If an agreement is reached, schools can reopen, and teaching and learning can resume. The sooner a resolution is reached, the less impact the strike will have on students' education.
The strike highlights the challenges facing the education sector in Ghana, including the need to address teacher concerns and improve working conditions. The government's response to the strike will be critical in determining the future of education in the country.
Key points
- The strike is over outstanding concerns about teacher conditions of service, promotion-related arrears, and allowances.
- The Education Ministry is engaging the unions in an effort to resolve the dispute.
- The strike has disrupted teaching and learning at some public pre-tertiary schools in Tema.
