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 voiced their concerns regarding the government’s lack of action in addressing their ongoing grievances.
Unions have expressed concerns about the government’s lack of action, stating that it is leading to growing unrest among teachers and potentially jeopardizing industrial peace.
The unions have brought attention to a number of promises that have not been met as outlined in the Collective Agreement signed on 24th May 2024. These include the Minister for Education’s failure to initiate negotiations on the Deprived Area Allowance within the agreed timeframe of one month after signing the agreement, as well as the unresolved issue of promotions from Deputy Director (DD) to Director II (DII) and then to Director I (DI) by September 2024.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) have joined forces to address salary disparities for DD and below in the GES. Additionally, they have ensured that all teachers who had their money deducted will receive TM1 laptops, with a new deadline set for August 31, 2024.
The unions highlighted several significant challenges they are facing, including a year’s worth of unpaid Tier-2 deductions and various issues with the Public Services Commission (PSC). These issues range from delays in promotions and difficulties in reinstatement to instances of rank reduction.
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The unions are urging the GES, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities to take immediate action in response to these concerns. They have set a deadline of Monday, September 16, 2024, and have made it clear that if no action is taken, they will decide on their next steps.
Thomas T. Musah, the General Secretary of GNAT, Angel Cabonu, the President of NAGRAT, and King Ali Awudu, the President of CCT-GH, jointly signed the press release, highlighting the pressing nature of the situation.
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