Three major teacher unions in Ghana, namely the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), have jointly declared a nationwide strike starting Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
This decision stems from what they perceive as the government’s neglect in addressing their grievances regarding their conditions of service.
In a press conference, National President of GNAT, Isaac Owusu, voiced deep concern regarding several critical issues raised by the teacher unions such as the continued withholding of teachers’ salaries, and unilateral alterations to school timetables without prior consultation with the unions.
“The distribution of laptops to all teachers is of concern. The frequent changes to the school calendar without consultation with the teacher unions disrupt the smooth functioning of the education system. Additionally, the blocking of teachers’ salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without following the proper procedures is deeply troubling”
He also emphasized that as a result of the ongoing grievances and the perceived lack of action from both the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the teacher unions have opted to come together in solidarity with their members.
“In light of these grievances and the perceived lack of action from the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the teacher unions have decided to stand in solidarity with their members and declare a nationwide industrial action effective immediately. We, the pre-tertiary teacher unions, stand with our members and hereby announce a nationwide strike starting today, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to demand that our concerns be addressed.”
–
Story by : Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
