GES appeals to teachers to rescind strike and return to class as efforts to resolve concerns intensify

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, has called on teacher unions to withdraw their strike and return to teaching as efforts to resolve their grievances progress. The appeal comes as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) continue their nationwide industrial action, which began on September 25, 2026.

The unions are protesting unpaid promotion allowances and arrears due to teachers. Despite a meeting with the Education Minister and other officials, the unions claim no new commitments have been made beyond previous assurances. They have directed their members to remain absent from classrooms until their demands are met. Prof. Davis emphasized the importance of keeping schools open while negotiations continue, praising teachers for their commitment and urging them to reconsider their stance and resume teaching.

He highlighted significant progress in the education sector, including the expansion of opportunities for teachers to advance to higher ranks, with the establishment ceiling for Director-2 positions increasing by over 1,500% and Director-1 positions by nearly 340%. The latest teacher promotion exercise is underway, with applications already received for potential promotions.

Prof. Davis stressed the need for teachers to return to their classrooms to prevent disruptions to teaching and learning, while the GES works with government agencies to address issues within its purview. He reiterated his commitment to engaging the unions and other stakeholders to find solutions to the outstanding concerns.