The leadership of three major teacher unions has given the government a one-week ultimatum to conclude negotiations on their expired Conditions of Service, warning that further delays could trigger industrial action across the country’s pre-tertiary education sector.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PTTAG) say a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on Thursday, July 16, ended without a resolution after the Commission indicated it would seek a fresh mandate from the government before continuing negotiations.
The unions had petitioned the FWSC three weeks ago over delays in renewing their Conditions of Service. Their demands include the promotion of eligible teachers and the implementation of a 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance for teachers posted to underserved communities.
Speaking after the meeting, President of the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana, King Ali Awudu, expressed disappointment with the outcome but said the unions had agreed to give the government one final opportunity to resolve the issues.
“We are not happy with the current stand of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on our allowances, including the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance. Although our deadline ends tomorrow, July 17, we have decided to give them one more week to address the issues. We are, however, sounding a note of caution that the patience of our members is running out,” he said.
General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Tanko Musah, accused the government of failing to respond to repeated appeals from the unions, warning that continued delays could erode trust between both parties.
“We informed the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Education, but nothing has been done. When trust breaks down, it becomes a different ball game altogether, and where we are heading is not good for any of us,” he said.
President of NAGRAT, Jacob Anaba, assured teachers that the unions would continue to push for improved conditions and would not settle for less than what they believe members deserve.
“We want to assure our members that we are not going to accept just anything. We will make sure that we secure something better for them,” he stated.
The three unions say they remain committed to dialogue but insist that negotiations must be concluded within the next week. They caution that failure to reach an agreement could disrupt the current industrial peace in the education sector and affect teaching and learning in schools nationwide.
By Daniel Opoku
