The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) have jointly declared a nationwide industrial action, effective Friday, September 25, 2026. This decision comes after the government failed to address concerns over unpaid promotion allowances and arrears owed to teachers. The unions had given the government a deadline of midday on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to resolve the issues.
The teacher unions cited three major concerns that led to the strike. Firstly, there is a delay in negotiating a new Collective Agreement, with the existing one having expired. Despite several discussions with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), a new agreement has not been reached, with the unions expecting its completion by June 2026. Secondly, the unions are demanding the automatic placement of teachers who passed promotion examinations in December 2025 and February 2026 onto their respective salary scales, including payment of arrears effective January 2026.
The failure to implement the automatic placement of promoted teachers has created tension and anger among union members. Additionally, the unions are concerned about the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance. According to the 2024 Collective Agreement, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) were required to review the Deprived Area Report, which would then lead to negotiations with the FWSC on applicable figures. However, this process has not been completed, further exacerbating the situation.
The unions expressed frustration over what they describe as prolonged delays, unfulfilled commitments, and growing frustration over conditions affecting teachers. They stated that the outstanding issues have resulted in "widespread disaffection, anger, and disillusionment" among their members. The strike is a result of the government's failure to address these concerns, prompting the unions to stand in solidarity with their members.
The strike has significant implications for the education sector in Ghana. With the start of the industrial action, teachers across the country have ceased work, demanding resolution to their concerns. The unions have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met. This development has raised concerns among stakeholders, including parents and students, who are likely to be affected by the strike.
In the past, teacher unions in Ghana have threatened to embark on industrial action over unresolved issues. The government has been urged to prioritize the concerns of teachers to prevent disruptions to the education system. The current strike is a testament to the ongoing challenges faced by teachers in Ghana and the need for a sustainable resolution.
The Ministry of Education and the FWSC have yet to comment on the strike. However, it is expected that further negotiations will take place in an attempt to resolve the issues and end the industrial action. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future of the education sector in Ghana and the well-being of teachers across the country.
Key points
- The teacher unions are demanding the payment of promotion arrears and the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
- The strike was declared after the government failed to meet the unions' deadline of September 24, 2026.
- The unions are also pushing for the automatic placement of promoted teachers on the appropriate salary scales.
