In a recent press release dated 18th September, 2023, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT-GH) have issued a stern warning to the Ministry of Education regarding unresolved issues that have been a source of frustration for teachers in the country.
The teacher unions had previously sent a letter to the Hon. Minister for Education on 29th August, 2023, raising two critical concerns:
- Unpaid 20% Allowance: According to the Collective Agreement for Teaching Staff within the Ghana Education Service (GES), teachers who accept postings to under-served areas are entitled to a 20% allowance on their gross salary. Shockingly, this provision, which has been in the agreement for the past fourteen years, has not been implemented.
- Delayed Refund of GH¢ 44.55: Despite a directive from the President of the Republic for the Ministry of Education to refund GH¢ 44.55 to teachers, this refund has not been carried out. This delay has caused unrest among the teacher union members, who are running out of patience.
The teacher unions had set a deadline of the end of September 2023 for the Ministry of Education to resolve these pressing issues. However, as of the release date, there has been no acknowledgment of their letter, and no action has been taken to address the grievances.
In light of the Ministry’s apparent apathy and lack of response, the teacher unions have reiterated their deadline and issued a strong warning.
If the Ministry of Education fails to resolve these issues by the end of September 2023, the teacher unions have declared their intention to boycott the national celebration of the 2023 World Teachers Day and the Ghana Teacher Prize Awards, scheduled for 5th October, 2023, in Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region.
Additionally, they have threatened to boycott all other regional, district, and local celebrations related to the event.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Collective Agreement’s provision for Vehicle Maintenance Allowance has not been honored since 2018. The teacher unions have not disclosed their next course of action but have indicated that it will be made known in due time.
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has also been informed of the situation, and the teacher unions are awaiting a response. As the end of September approaches, the education sector in Ghana remains on edge, with the teacher unions standing firm on their demands for justice and fair treatment.
Thomas Tanko Musah, General Secretary of GNAT; Angel Carbonu, President of NAGRAT; and King Ali Awudu, President of CCT-GH, jointly signed this statement, indicating the seriousness of the matter and the unity of purpose among the teacher unions in Ghana.
Source: GESHub.org
