The Volta Regional Teacher Unions have reaffirmed their support for the nationwide industrial action declared by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The strike, which began on September 25, 2026, is over prolonged delays, unfulfilled commitments, and failure to resolve critical issues affecting teachers.
The unions, in a press conference in Ho, outlined their concerns, including delays in negotiating a new Collective Agreement, promotion placements, and payment of arrears, as well as the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance. Mr Felix Owusu-Ansah, General Secretary of GNAT, presented the unions' position, emphasizing the need for immediate resolution of these issues.
The existing Collective Agreement has expired, and negotiations for a new one, expected to be concluded by June 2026, are outstanding despite engagements with stakeholders, including the Government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). The unions called for the immediate conclusion and implementation of the new Collective Agreement to provide certainty and improved conditions of service for teachers.
Teachers who passed promotion examinations in December 2025 and February 2026 are yet to be placed on their appropriate salary grades, with applicable arrears effective January 2026. The delay has created frustration among affected teachers, and the unions called for immediate processing of outstanding promotion placements and payment of arrears.
The unions also raised concerns about the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance for teachers serving in deprived and hard-to-reach communities. Section 17.2 of the existing Collective Agreement provides for a 20% allowance for teachers in deprived areas, but it remains unimplemented.
Mr Solomon Kwame Takyi, Regional Chairman of PRETAG, noted that teachers have endured prolonged delays in the promotion process, resulting in financial losses. He emphasized that teachers need adequate welfare and remuneration to effectively perform their duties, adding that they are no longer willing to accept delayed rewards.
The unions directed all teachers in the Volta Region to comply with the national industrial action and remain out of the classroom until further notice. They also urged District and Local Union Executives to mobilize members and ensure strict compliance with the strike directive, while remaining committed to constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue.
Key points
- The Volta Regional Teacher Unions have reaffirmed their support for the nationwide strike over unresolved issues affecting teachers' welfare and conditions of service.
- The unions are demanding the immediate conclusion and implementation of a new Collective Agreement, promotion placements, and payment of arrears.
- The strike is over the government's failure to address critical issues affecting teachers, including the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
