Teacher Unions Declare Nationwide Strike Over Promotion Arrears, Allowances and Conditions of Service effective Friday, September 25, 2026.
The action involves the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The development follows the expiration of a deadline given to government to address the outstanding concerns.
Why Are Teachers Going on Strike?
One of the major issues behind the industrial action is the delayed placement of teachers who successfully completed their promotion examinations.
According to reports, teachers who passed promotion examinations conducted in December 2025 and February 2026 are awaiting automatic placement on their appropriate salary scales. The unions have also called for the payment of arrears dating back to January 2026.
The issue has become particularly important for affected teachers because promotion is expected to result in a corresponding change in their salary grade.
Delays in implementing the placement therefore also affect the payment of the additional salary and accumulated arrears.
Earlier in August, government representatives assured the unions that promoted teachers would be placed on their new salary scales by the end of September. The agreed arrangement also indicated that the effective date for the substantive appointment would be January 2026.
Collective Agreement Remains Unresolved
Another concern raised by the teacher unions is the renewal of their Collective Agreement.
The unions say the existing agreement has expired and negotiations for a new agreement have not been concluded. They had expected the process to be completed by June 2026, but discussions remained outstanding.
A Collective Agreement is important because it provides a framework for various employment-related matters, including conditions of service, benefits and other issues affecting workers.
Deprived Area Allowance
The Deprived Area Allowance is also among the issues highlighted by the unions.
According to the unions, provisions in the 2024 Collective Agreement require the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to review the relevant report before negotiations on the allowance can proceed with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
The unions have raised concerns about delays in implementing this arrangement, particularly for teachers working in deprived and hard-to-reach communities.
What Happens Next?
The latest development follows a September 24, 2026 deadline given to government by the unions. Earlier reports indicated that the unions would consider industrial action if their concerns were not addressed by midday on that date.
As of September 25, reports indicate that the unions have proceeded with the nationwide industrial action.
The situation could have implications for teaching and learning in schools across Ghana, particularly if the strike continues.
Teachers, parents and students will therefore be watching closely for further communication from the unions and government regarding negotiations and possible resolution.
Source: quarmsmedia.com