Accra, Ghana - August 27, 2024: The major Teacher Unions in Ghana have issued a press release highlighting their growing frustrations and the potential for industrial unrest due to unresolved issues with the government. The concerns stem from the government's slow response to agreements and directives made in the Collective Agreement signed on May 24, 2024.
In the press release, the Teacher Unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers-Ghana (CCT-GH), expressed their disappointment over the government's lukewarm attitude toward addressing the needs and concerns of teachers. This, they stated, has led to rising tensions and agitations among teachers nationwide.
Key Issues Highlighted:
1. Deprived Area Allowance: The unions pointed out that despite an agreement to engage in negotiations for the Deprived Area Allowance a month after signing the Collective Agreement, the Minister for Education has yet to initiate the process.
2. Promotion Delays: There is a significant delay in the promotion of teachers from Deputy Director (DD) to Director II (DII) and subsequently to Director I (DI), which was supposed to be resolved by September 2024. The unions are calling on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to expedite these promotions.
3. Salary Disparities: The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) was tasked with addressing the disparities in the salary levels of DD and below within the GES. However, this has not been achieved, contributing to the ongoing discontent.
4. Laptop Distribution: The unions reminded the government of its promise to deliver TM 1 laptops to teachers by August 31, 2024, after deductions were made from their salaries. They emphasized the importance of fulfilling this commitment to maintain industrial peace.
Other Major Challenges:
The unions also raised concerns over other significant challenges:
- Arrears in Tier-2 Deductions: Teachers are owed twelve months of arrears in their Tier-2 pension deductions, an issue that has caused considerable frustration.
- Public Services Commission (PSC) Activities:
The unions criticized the activities of the PSC, particularly regarding delays in upgrading, difficulties in reinstatement, and the reduction of ranks, which have worsened over time.
Call to Action:
In light of these unresolved issues, the Teacher Unions have issued a stern warning to the GES and the Ministry of Education, urging them to address these challenges by Monday, September 16, 2024. They emphasized that failure to receive a favorable response by this deadline would result in decisive industrial action.
The press release was signed by prominent leaders of the unions, including Thomas T. Musah (General Secretary, GNAT), Angel Cabonu (President, NAGRAT), and King Ali Awudu (President, CCT-GH), who reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the interests of teachers across the country.
The unions have made it clear that the ball is now in the government's court to prevent further escalation and potential disruptions to the education sector. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government will meet the demands of the teachers or face widespread industrial action.
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