Teacher Unions Condemn GES Job Evaluation Directive, Demand Action on Outstanding Teacher Issues
The leadership of Ghana’s major teacher unions has issued a strong statement criticizing a recent directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) requesting the submission of staff personal files for a Job Evaluation Exercise.
The unions argue that the move diverts attention from pressing issues affecting teachers and delays the implementation of commitments already agreed upon by key stakeholders.
Teacher Unions Describe Directive as Provocative
According to the statement dated June 9, 2026, the unions were responding to a letter issued by the GES Headquarters on June 8, 2026, in collaboration with the FWSC.
The letter instructed Regional Directors to submit staff personal files for a Job Evaluation Exercise.
The unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), described the directive as “provocative, offensive and disappointing.”
They contend that the action appears to be an attempt by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Finance (MoF), GES, FWSC, and the Public Services Commission (PSC) to postpone solutions to longstanding teacher concerns.
Background on The 2024 Nationwide Teachers’ Strike
The unions recalled the nationwide strike action declared on March 20, 2024, over several unresolved issues affecting teachers.
Among the key concerns was the absence of a comprehensive Scheme of Service for GES staff, particularly regarding promotions from Deputy Director to Director II and Director I positions.
Following the strike, the National Labour Commission (NLC) convened a meeting on March 26, 2024, involving representatives of the government, GES, FWSC, and the teacher unions.
After hearing both sides, the NLC directed the GES to develop and negotiate a Scheme of Service to address appointment and promotion challenges within the service.
Progress Made on the Scheme of Service
In compliance with the NLC’s directive, the GES submitted a draft Scheme of Service to the teacher unions in April 2024 for review and input. The unions submitted their recommendations on July 15, 2024.
Subsequently, the unions collaborated with GES and its consultant, Messrs Price Waterhouse Coopers, to finalize the document. Despite this progress, the Scheme of Service has yet to be signed and implemented, a situation that has generated growing frustration among teachers.
Concerns Over Non-Compliance with NLC Directives
The unions argue that the failure to implement the Scheme of Service represents a disregard for the directives of the National Labour Commission. They expressed disappointment that the same promotion and appointment issues which led to the 2024 strike remain unresolved.
The statement also noted that directives by President John Dramani Mahama aimed at decoupling Director II and Director I positions from political districts and regions have not been fully implemented. According to the unions, this has hindered the promotion of qualified Deputy Directors.
Delays in Collective Agreement Negotiations
Another major concern raised by the unions is the delay in negotiating a new Collective Agreement. The current agreement is scheduled to expire in June 2026, yet negotiations for a replacement have not been completed.
The unions stated that they have repeatedly engaged the FWSC and the Ministry of Education on the matter but have not received satisfactory progress.
Outstanding Issues in the 2024 Collective Agreement
The unions further identified several unresolved provisions contained in the 2024 Collective Agreement, including:
1. Implementation of the Scheme of Service
Section 6 of the agreement requires an approved Scheme of Service covering all grades within the Ghana Education Service.
2. Promotion of Deputy Directors
The agreement mandates the resolution of promotion issues involving Deputy Directors progressing to Director II and Director I positions.
3. Deprived Area Allowance
The agreement also requires the review and implementation of the Deprived Area Report, followed by negotiations on allowances with the FWSC.
According to the unions, none of these commitments have been fulfilled.
Teacher Unions Present Four Key Demands
In response to the current situation, the unions have outlined four major demands:
- GES should obtain the required information for the Job Evaluation Exercise from existing staff records across schools, districts, regions, and headquarters.
- The Scheme of Service for all teaching staff should be concluded, signed, and implemented by July 17, 2026.
- A new Collective Agreement should be negotiated, signed, and implemented by July 17, 2026.
- Promotions of Deputy Directors to Director II and subsequently Director I should be completed by July 17, 2026.
Call for Immediate Government Action
The teacher unions are urging all relevant authorities to act swiftly to address the challenges confronting teachers. They warned that continued delays could create serious difficulties for Ghana’s education sector.
The statement concludes with a clear warning: if no favourable response is received by the close of July 17, 2026, the unions will determine their next line of action.
Source: quarmsmedia.com