Ghanaian Teacher Unions Declare Nationwide Strike
In a unified declaration of discontent, Ghana’s Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions, comprising GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-GH, have announced a nationwide industrial action (strike) effective today, March 20, 2024. The decision comes as a culmination of unresolved grievances with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Among the key issues raised by the unions are the delay in negotiating the Collective Agreement, the absence of a functional Scheme of Service for Teachers, and concerns regarding the distribution of laptops to teachers. Additionally, the frequent changes to the school calendar without consultation with the Teacher Unions and the blockage of teachers’ salaries by the Office of Special Prosecutor without due process have further fueled dissatisfaction among educators.
The union leaders, including Thomas T. Musah (GNAT), Eric Agbe-Carbonu (NAGRAT), and King Ali Awudu (CCT-GH), emphasized the necessity of this industrial action to advocate for the rights and interests of their members. Despite previous attempts to engage with the authorities, the unions assert that promises remain unfulfilled, compelling them to take decisive action.
The declaration of the strike serves as a call to action, urging the government, the Ghana Education Service, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to address the grievances of teachers promptly and earnestly. The unions stand firm in their commitment to ensuring the welfare and professional dignity of educators across the nation.
As the strike takes effect, the Teacher Unions appeal to all stakeholders, including the media and the public, to support their cause and to pressure the relevant authorities to engage constructively in resolving the issues at hand. The future of education in Ghana hinges on the equitable treatment and recognition of its educators, and the unions remain steadfast in their pursuit of a just resolution.
