The strike by Ghanaian teachers will continue after talks between their unions and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) ended inconclusively on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The negotiations focused on outstanding arrears, particularly those related to promotions, and other conditions of service. The meeting was attended by representatives from the FWSC and teacher unions, including the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).
Dr. George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the FWSC, described the meeting as the beginning of negotiations and announced that the parties would reconvene on Wednesday. He emphasized the FWSC's commitment to reaching an agreement with the unions to enable teachers to return to the classroom. Dr. Smith-Graham expressed hope that the negotiations would conclude successfully, allowing teachers to resume their duties.
Despite the FWSC's commitment to negotiations, Mr. Jacob Anaba, President of NAGRAT, confirmed that the strike would continue while negotiations were ongoing. He stated that the status quo would remain, implying that teachers would not return to work until an agreement was reached. The decision to continue the strike was supported by the other teacher unions, including PRETAG and GNAT.
The teacher unions have been on strike since last week, demanding the payment of outstanding arrears and addressing other conditions of service. The strike has disrupted the academic calendar, causing concerns among parents and students. The unions are pressing for the government to honor its commitments to teachers, including the payment of arrears related to promotions.
Earlier, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, had assured teachers that the outstanding arrears would be paid by the end of October. However, the teacher unions remain skeptical, citing the government's failure to meet previous deadlines. The unions are seeking a more concrete commitment from the government to address their concerns.
The FWSC's Dr. Smith-Graham reiterated his commitment to finding a solution, stating that the commission wants to ensure that teachers return to the classroom. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the FWSC and teacher unions in resolving the impasse. The parties are expected to resume negotiations on Wednesday, with hopes of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
The strike by Ghanaian teachers has significant implications for the education sector, with thousands of students affected. The government and teacher unions must work together to find a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether teachers return to work soon or the strike continues.
Key points
- The strike by Ghanaian teachers will continue after talks with the FWSC ended without an agreement.
- The teacher unions are demanding the payment of outstanding arrears and addressing other conditions of service.
- The parties are expected to resume negotiations on Wednesday, with hopes of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
