GNAT issues September 7 deadline over unresolved teachers’ concerns, threatens strike

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has set a September 7 deadline for the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other government bodies to address long-standing issues concerning teacher promotions, career progression, and conditions of service. This warning came after a National Executive meeting held on August 7, 2026, at GNAT headquarters in Accra, where leaders expressed deep concern over persistent delays in resolving critical issues that have negatively impacted teachers within the GES.

Teachers who have undergone the necessary procedures for promotion but have yet to receive their corresponding financial benefits and official recognition are facing uncertainty, financial difficulties, and frustration. A key issue highlighted by GNAT is the ongoing delay in implementing outstanding promotion placements for teachers, demanding that these should be completed by August 31, 2026. This deadline is in line with a commitment made by the GES in its July 28 press release.

The teachers’ association is also calling for an end to the administrative bottleneck involving the Directors I and Directors II ranks, which it argues should be decoupled from the positions of District and Regional Directors. This separation is necessary to enhance career advancement opportunities for teachers. Additionally, GNAT is urging the government to prioritize the renewal of the Collective Agreement governing teachers’ terms and conditions of service, as the existing agreement expired on July 31, 2026.

The timely resolution of these issues is crucial to protect teachers’ welfare and provide clarity on their employment conditions.