The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT-GH) have issued a stern warning to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education, threatening industrial action if outstanding issues are not addressed by September 16, 2024.
In a letter issued on 27th August, 2024, the unions expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to fulfill promises made in their Collective Agreement (CA) signed on May 24, 2024, leading to growing unrest among teachers.
Key concerns highlighted by the unions include:
• Deprived Area Allowance: The Minister of Education was to initiate negotiations for the allowance one month after the CA was signed, a commitment yet to be met.
• Promotion Delays: The CA stipulated that promotions from Deputy Director (DD) to Director II (DII) and Director I (DI) would be resolved by September 2024.
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• Salary Disparities: The GES was to collaborate with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to address salary discrepancies for DD and below.
• TM1 Laptops: The government promised to deliver the remaining TM1 laptops by August 31, 2024, to ensure all teachers who had deductions made received their laptops.
• Tier-2 Deductions: Teachers are still owed twelve months of arrears from their Tier-2 deductions.
• Public Services Commission (PSC) Issues: The unions have raised concerns over delays in promotions, reinstatement difficulties, rank reductions, and other issues arising from the PSC’s involvement in GES matters.
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The teacher unions have demanded immediate action from the GES and the Ministry of Education to address these issues.
They have issued a deadline of Monday, September 16, 2024, for a favorable response, failing which they will take further action to protect the interests of teachers.
“If by the close of the said date we do not receive any favorable response, we shall determine the next line of action”
