The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU-GH) has announced a nationwide strike set to commence on Friday, September 20, in response to the government’s failure to address their calls for improved working conditions.
In a statement issued ahead of the industrial action, TEWU-GH expressed deep disappointment over the government’s inaction, particularly in areas such as allowances and pension contributions. They have joined forces with the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana to demand urgent reforms.
A key issue raised by TEWU-GH is the failure of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to implement Vehicle Maintenance and Off-Campus allowances, despite formal approval from the Ministry of Finance on August 2, 2024.
Additionally, the union highlighted a longstanding grievance regarding the recalculation of Tier Two pension contributions. The government had previously promised to address interest on delayed payments of Tier Two deductions made between January 2010 and 2016. However, this remains unresolved. Moreover, the union disclosed that Tier Two deductions for 2024 have not been paid for the last eight months, despite being deducted from members’ salaries.
The strike is likely to affect schools and universities across the country, with no clear timeline for resolution unless the government responds to the union’s demands.
TEWU-GH has indicated that the strike will continue until tangible progress is made, placing the ball squarely in the government’s court to prevent further disruption to the education sector.
Credit: News Ghana
