TEACHER UNIONS DECLARE NATIONWIDE STRIKE

Three teacher unions in Ghana have announced a nationwide strike set to commence on Friday, September 25, 2026. The strike, orchestrated by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (PRETAG), stems from growing discontent over the handling of critical issues within the education sector.

The unions cite delays in addressing teachers' concerns as the primary driver behind the industrial action. These concerns include the unfulfilled negotiations for a new Collective Agreement, the failure to implement the Deprived Area Allowance, and the continuous lack of proper salary placement for newly promoted teachers.

According to the unions, the existing agreement expired without the expected completion of negotiations by June 2026. Despite these setbacks, teachers are still awaiting their rightful placement on salary scales, leading to arrears dating back to January 2026. Furthermore, the unions point out that the Deprived Area Allowance, mandated under the 2024 Collective Agreement, has not been implemented.

This allowance, set at 20 percent of basic salaries, should have been reviewed and negotiated with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) as per the agreement.

The failure of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) to act on these provisions has exacerbated teachers' frustration. The unions accuse the FWSC of ignoring the Deprived Area Report and argue that teachers in deprived or hard-to-reach areas remain without the promised allowance.

The statement issued by the unions highlights the widespread dissatisfaction amongst educators. They believe that ongoing delays and unmet commitments have left them with no choice but to go on strike to voice their demands effectively.