The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the government despite suspending its strike action. Thomas Musah, GNAT’s General Secretary, told Accra-based Citi News on October 9 that talks remain open and unresolved.
The strike by GNAT, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG) began on September 25, 2026. The unions demanded action on promotion arrears, conditions of service, and allowances. After several weeks, they paused the industrial action following discussions with the Council of State and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
Musah was clear that the strike suspension does not mean the unions’ concerns have been fully addressed. “The issues have not been completed. Negotiations have not ended or concluded. Let me put it, not concluded. And so we’ll continue to negotiate until all the issues are done,” he said.
Under the recent agreement, promotion-related arrears are set to be paid to 51,000 teachers by October 16, 2026. Payments to the remaining eligible teachers are expected by the end of that month. The government also committed to pay the digital support allowance in November and the continuous professional development allowance in December 2026.
The unions’ demands have included overdue promotions that affect many teachers’ salaries and career progression. The digital support allowance is intended to help teachers with costs related to electronic learning tools, a concern raised during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The continuous professional development allowance rewards ongoing training and qualification improvements.
The strike had caused disruptions in schools nationwide, with many students missing lessons for over two weeks. Education officials and the government had urged the unions to resume talks, warning of the impact prolonged industrial action could have on academic calendars.
Musah’s statement confirmed that the unions will maintain pressure until all outstanding issues are settled. The government’s payment schedule attempts to meet some demands swiftly, but the unions’ insistence on continued negotiations indicates unresolved tensions.
The pause in strike action might ease immediate disruptions, but the road to a full resolution remains open.
According to Joy Online.
