A meeting between the Ghanaian government and the leadership of the striking teacher unions concluded on October 2, 2026, without reaching a resolution. The meeting involved representatives from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The discussions focused on the unions' three primary concerns: automatic placement of promoted teachers, a new collective agreement, and the implementation of a 20% deprived-area allowance.
According to GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah, the parties discussed all three key concerns but were unable to reach a conclusion. The government presented new proposals for the unions to consider, which they will review and discuss further. The unions will reconvene with the government on October 6, 2026, to continue negotiations. The ongoing strike, which began over unresolved concerns related to teachers' promotions, conditions of service, and the deprived-area allowance, will continue until the unions' demands are met.
The concerns raised by the unions include the automatic placement of teachers who have been promoted, negotiations on a new collective agreement, and the implementation of the 20% deprived-area allowance. The government has made fresh proposals regarding these issues, which the unions will review. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has appealed to the teacher unions to call off the strike, assuring them that the government will honor its commitments on outstanding concerns.
Haruna Iddrisu expressed the government's commitment to addressing the concerns raised by GNAT, NAGRAT, and PRETAG. He stated that the Controller and Accountant-General's Department will continue validating data on teachers who are owed promotion-related payments. The government will work towards implementing the agreed arrangements and honoring its pledge to place promoted teachers on their new grades and address the associated arrears.
The Education Minister emphasized that the government will not renege on its pledge to honor the promotion arrears. He expressed hope that this commitment would persuade the unions to reconsider the ongoing industrial action. The government's efforts to resolve the issues are ongoing, with the aim of finding a mutually beneficial solution.
The strike by teacher unions has significant implications for Ghana's education sector. As the strike continues, students and parents are feeling the effects. The government has set up a committee to validate teachers eligible for the 20% deprived-area allowance. This move is part of the efforts to address the concerns raised by the unions.
The striking teacher unions are scheduled to meet with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on October 6, 2026. The meeting is expected to further discuss the unions' demands and the government's proposals. Key points include:
Key points
- The Ghanaian government presents fresh proposals to the striking teacher unions.
- The unions' primary concerns include automatic placement of promoted teachers, a new collective agreement, and the implementation of a 20% deprived-area allowance.
- The strike will continue until the unions' demands are met.
