In a bold move to address longstanding grievances with education authorities, the Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions of Ghana – GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-Gh – have announced a nationwide industrial action effective today, Wednesday, 20th March, 2024. The decision, aimed at pressing for immediate resolution of critical issues affecting teachers and learners, comes after repeated attempts to engage with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have yielded no tangible results.
At the heart of the matter is the delay in negotiating a new Collective Agreement, which should have been concluded by February 29, 2024, following the expiration of the previous agreement in 2023. Despite raising concerns with the Director General of GES and notifying the National Labour Commission, negotiations remain at a standstill, leaving teachers without a revised agreement.
Additionally, the absence of a functional Scheme of Service for Teachers within the GES has been highlighted as a pressing concern. Teachers assert that a comprehensive scheme is essential to address the diverse needs of educators and ensure fairness within the profession. Despite repeated appeals, the issue has yet to be adequately addressed.
Furthermore, teachers are dismayed by the government’s failure to fulfill promises, including the distribution of laptops to all educators and the frequent changes to the school calendar without consultation with Teacher Unions. The recent blockage of teachers’ salaries by the Office of Special Prosecutor, without following established procedures, has only added to their frustrations.
In light of these unresolved issues and the growing discontent among members, the Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions have taken a united stance in declaring the nationwide strike. This decision reflects the unwavering commitment of teachers to advocate for their rights and the interests of their students. As the strike takes effect, it remains to be seen how education authorities will respond to this significant development and work towards addressing the concerns raised by the teaching community.
