The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) – collectively representing three major teacher unions – have voiced strong concerns over the government’s persistent neglect of their long-standing issues. The unions caution that the government’s inaction is fueling growing discontent among teachers, posing a significant threat to industrial harmony and potentially leading to disruptions in the education sector.
In a press release, the teacher unions drew attention to several unfulfilled commitments outlined in the Collective Agreement signed on May 24, 2024. The Minister for Education failed to initiate negotiations on the Deprived Area Allowance within the agreed-upon one-month timeframe. Additionally, the promotions of teachers from Deputy Director (DD) to Director II (DII) and subsequently to Director I (DI) remain unresolved, despite the expectation that they would be addressed by September 2024.
Furthermore, the collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to correct salary disparities for Deputy Directors and below has yet to yield results. Lastly, the delivery of TM1 laptops to teachers, for which deductions were made from their salaries, is still pending, with a new deadline set for August 31, 2024.
The unions also highlighted several other pressing concerns, including the non-payment of 12 months’ worth of Tier-2 deductions and various issues with the Public Services Commission (PSC), such as prolonged delays in upgrading, challenges in reinstatement, and unjust rank reductions.
The unions have urged the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education, and all relevant authorities to take immediate action to resolve these issues by Monday, September 16, 2024. If these concerns are not addressed by the specified deadline, the unions will be forced to consider their next steps and potential actions.
