Three teacher unions in Ghana, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), have announced a nationwide strike starting today, March 20, 2024.
The strike comes as a response to what they perceive as the government’s failure to address their concerns regarding working conditions.
Among the issues raised are the withholding of teachers’ salaries, changes to timetables without consulting the unions, and delays in providing laptops to educators.
During a media briefing, Isaac Owusu, the National President of GNAT, called on all teachers to adhere to the directive.
He expressed worries about the distribution of laptops to teachers, frequent alterations to the school calendar without consulting the unions, and the withholding of teachers’ salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without following proper procedures.
Owusu reiterated the unions’ support for their members and announced a nationwide industrial action starting today to advocate for their demands.
He stated, “The distribution of laptops to all teachers is concerning. The frequent changes to the school calendar without negotiation with the teacher unions disrupt the smooth functioning of the service. Additionally, the blocking of teachers’ salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without adhering to established procedures is a major concern.”
“In light of these circumstances, and considering the delays and unmet promises from the employer and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, as well as threats from our members, we, the pre-tertiary teacher unions, stand in solidarity with our members and hereby declare a nationwide industrial action effective today, March 20, 2024, to press for our demands.”
