Pre-tertiary teacher unions in Ghana will meet government officials on Monday, September 28, to try to end their ongoing nationwide strike. The unions—National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG)—launched the strike demanding action on unpaid promotion arrears and stalled negotiations over their conditions of service.
The strike began after the unions declared it immediate, citing government delays in resolving long-standing issues. Teachers say the government owes them promotion arrears and has not completed talks on improving their working conditions. These concerns have led to disruptions in schools across the country.
Jacob Anaba, president of NAGRAT, told Accra-based Citi News that the unions are open to talks if the meeting offers a real chance to settle the dispute. “Our reason for raising the issues is to resolve them so if there is an avenue for us to resolve them, we will avail ourselves and make sure that we resolve the issues,” he said.
Anaba explained that he had received calls informing him that the Ministry of Education had reached out, and later the Chief Director of the Ministry of Employment, Jobs and Labour Relations confirmed the meeting. “There is going to be a meeting and we will definitely be at the meeting to try and resolve our issues,” he added.
The Monday talks will focus on the outstanding demands from the unions, especially the payment of arrears and the conclusion of negotiations on teachers’ conditions of service. The outcome could decide whether the strike continues or is suspended.
Teachers have expressed frustration at the pace of government responses. The strike has affected schools nationwide, disrupting the academic calendar and raising concerns among parents and education stakeholders.
The government has not publicly commented in detail on the upcoming meeting or the strike but has indicated willingness to engage with the unions.
The exact details of the proposals or concessions to be discussed remain unclear. Both sides face pressure to find a solution that will allow schools to resume normal operations.
Monday’s meeting will be closely watched by educators and the public. The result will determine if progress can be made toward ending the strike or if the industrial action will persist.
According to Joy Online.
