Teachers will remain on strike until arrears reflect in accounts – Teacher Unions

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) have declared they will continue their strike until the government takes concrete actions to address their demands. These demands include the payment of outstanding arrears, resolution of promotion issues, the distribution of the 20 percent deprived area allowance, and the negotiation of a new collective agreement.

Following a meeting with the Education Minister on Monday, September 28, 2026, the head of salaries at NAGRAT, Isaac Baah, stated that the unions are no longer willing to rely on mere promises. Baah emphasized the need for tangible action, specifically mentioning that teachers would remain absent until their salaries and outstanding arrears are accurately reflected on their payslips and credited to their accounts.

PRETAG's vice president, Adukwei Ayikwei Awuley, also expressed dissatisfaction with the meeting's outcome. Awuley noted that while some progress was made in discussing the promotion of teachers, no significant advancements were made regarding the deprived area allowance. Additionally, negotiations on the collective agreement were expected to continue on Tuesday, with no concrete agreement currently in place.

Both leaders stressed that until there is documented progress, the unions will persist with their strike. Awuley specifically requested written evidence supporting the government's assurance that the 20 percent deprived area allowance will commence in January 2027. He highlighted that the existing collective agreement has expired, leaving gaps in certain allowances that were anticipated for September.

He reiterated that the unions require tangible documentation of government commitments before considering returning to work.