In a recent press conference held at the Accra College of Education, members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) voiced their frustration with the government’s sluggishness in fulfilling allowances mandated by the National Labour Commission (NLC) in 2023.
The CETAG leadership, representing educators from 46 public colleges of education nationwide, convened on April 22, 2024, to demand prompt implementation of the NLC’s compulsory arbitration awards issued on May 2, 2023. Despite directives from the NLC, delays in payment persist due to actions by the Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
President of CETAG, Prince Obeng-Himah, and National Secretary Thomas Ampomah issued a statement on May 6, 2024, highlighting the government’s failure to honor its obligations regarding allowances and other remunerations. The leaders criticized the government’s disregard for the NLC’s orders and urged respect for the dignity of educators.
The statement emphasized the continued disrespect shown by the government towards the NLC’s awards and subsequent directives. Despite a meeting convened on May 2, 2024, involving CETAG leaders, FWSC, GTEC, and PRINCO representatives, dissatisfaction remains over the government’s approach to resolving grievances.
CETAG leaders noted the government’s reluctance to compensate members for additional duties performed in 2022, as mandated by the NLC. Furthermore, GTEC’s proposed modalities for remuneration threaten to disadvantage CETAG members compared to public university workers.
Additionally, the government has yet to fulfill its commitment to pay arrears of GHC 1,064 to entitled CETAG members as a top-up on the 2022/2023 research allowance, as per the negotiated agreement with FWSC.
The leaders expressed concern over the withholding of salaries, including that of President Prince Obeng-Himah, and warned of potential legal action if the government fails to implement all NLC awards by May 31, 2024.
CETAG remains steadfast in its demand for fair treatment and urges the government to fulfill its obligations without further delay.
