Mahama orders immediate action to get striking teachers back to class

President John Mahama has ordered immediate measures to end the ongoing teachers' strike and have pre-tertiary teachers back in the classroom, according to government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The President has been informed about the disruption caused by the industrial action, and government officials are already engaged in resolving the issue, Ofosu expressed on Joy News' PM Express. Government officials value teachers' contributions and are committed to their return to work as soon as possible.

The strike has caused significant disruption to pre-tertiary education, with the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Pre-Tertiary Teachers' Unions withdrawing their services. The main issue at hand now is to reconcile discrepancies between information provided by the Accountant-General's Department, the Finance Ministry, and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

Ofosu stated that both the Finance Ministry and the Accountant-General have completed their respective tasks, but there is a gap in the information that needs to be addressed.

Government remains committed to remunerating the affected teachers. However, clarity needs to be brought to the process and all differences ironed out to prevent further delays. Presidential intervention may become necessary if efforts by the relevant ministries and the Controller-General's Department reach a deadlock. The government is actively working to resolve the situation, as it faces other political pressures, including a Minority motion seeking the recall of Parliament over concerns about Ghana becoming a drug transit hub.