The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of all basic schools to keep the institutions open despite the strike action by the teachers’ unions.

According to the Service, its attention has been drawn to the withdrawal of service by the various unions in the pre-tertiary education sector. It noted that management has since then invited the “leadership of the unions to a meeting to discuss the development” and the way forward.

“Regional and district directors have further been directed to ensure that basic school heads keep schools opened and closely supervise all children who report to school pending further directives from management of GES.”
Ghana Education Service

Contained in a statement signed by the Head of public relations at the GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, it equally revealed that heads of senior high schools have been directed through the regional and district directors to “mobilize their management teams to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students” in schools.

“Meanwhile, parents are advised to remain calm and be assured that management is closely monitoring the situation and will advise on the way forward accordingly.”
Ghana Education Service

Following the strike action declared by the unions, the ministry of employment and labour relations has expressed its intention to hold a meeting with the leadership of the unions to address their concerns.

Deputy Labour Minister, Bright Wireko-Brobbey, noted that government is hopeful of reaching a conclusion with the groups. He stated that the ministry is “still waiting for signals” to meet with all stakeholders to determine the outcome of discussions.

Agitating unions over COLA

On July 4, 2022, the teachers’ unions in the country proceeded on an indefinite strike as a result of the non-payment of a demanded cost of living allowance (COLA). They noted that a 20 percent allowance is necessary to cushion them in the face of economic hardships resulting in high cost of living.

The unions made up of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and Coalition of Concerned Teachers-Ghana (CCT-G), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) expressed the need to collaboratively engage in the strike to ensure their demands are met.

The teachers’ unions noted that they can no longer bear the hardship, further rejecting the “inequality of salaries in the public services” of the country. They highlighted that the leaderships have been compelled under the current circumstances to publicly communicate to Ghanaians on their intention to go on strike.

It will be recalled that the demand for COLA was initially made by the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) at this year’s May Day celebrations. The Congress’ resolve further heightened its demand for the immediate payment of COLA for all public sector workers in June this year.

Speaking on the issue, the General Secretary of the Congress, Dr Yaw Baah, revealed that proposals have been sent to the government on their 20% COLA and they expect expeditious actions. He emphasized that members will be left with no option than to embark on industrial actions if nothing is done about their demand.