The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has appealed to the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to call off its indefinite strike, which began on January 2, 2025.
This development follows a closed-door meeting between GTEC and CETAG after the latter declared the strike during an Emergency National Council meeting on December 30, 2024.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GTEC’s Director-General, Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, criticized the timing of the strike, describing it as poorly conceived and detrimental to academic activities.
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He stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that the strike coincided with the ongoing admissions process, which began shortly after the release of WAEC results.
“We find it extremely unfortunate that you are withdrawing all services, resulting in a total shutdown of the institutions,” Abdulai emphasized.
“This situation is particularly pressing as it coincides with the ongoing admissions process, which began shortly after the release of WAEC results.”
He further stressed the necessity for CETAG to reconsider their decision, especially during the admissions period.
“We urge them to call off the strike to ensure the admissions process is not disrupted. The commission remains committed to facilitating their migration to university pay structures,” he added.
CETAG’s indefinite strike is rooted in unresolved grievances, including the government’s non-compliance with National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitration awards, delayed migration of staff onto affiliate universities’ pay structures, and unpaid compensation for work done in 2022.
SEE ALSO: Colleges of Education Non-Teaching Staff to Embark on Indefinite Strike
The association announced the strike in a statement dated December 31, 2024, citing the government’s failure to meet its obligations despite multiple notifications.
According to CETAG, its members shall not, under any circumstance, return to the colleges to undertake any official duties, including teaching and supervision of project work and macro-teaching, until the last pesewa is paid into their accounts