The three pre-tertiary teacher unions in the country, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) and the National Association Of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) have resolved to return to the classroom with immediate effect after a two-week-long strike action.
The decision according to the three pre-tertiary teacher unions is a result of the directive and order given by the court following the National Labour Commission suit against the union.
Addressing executives of the teacher unions in a press conference, the National Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, King Ali Awudu indicated that the unions had decided to respect the court’s orders to resume work.
“As law abiding citizens having respect for the courts we therefore declare the strike that was called on the 24th of March 2024 called off and ask all our members and staff of pre-tertiary institutions to resume work with immediate effect”
King Ali Awudu, CCT National Chairman
Furthermore, the National Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers while urging the members of the three unions to resume work, also commended them for what he described as their immense support throughout the union strike process.
He assured the members of the three teacher unions of the executives commitment to ensure that the government honours the demands and concerns of unions.
Government Urged to Address Teacher Unions Concerns
Moreover, King Ali Awudu, the National Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, speaking on behalf of the three teacher unions called on the government and other state agency including the National Labour Commission and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to take immediate steps to address the outstanding concerns of the unions.
He particularly emphasized the need for the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to resume and expedite negotiations with the unions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The strike action, which commenced on March 24th, 2024, had left both basic and senior high schools without teachers, significantly impacting educational activities across the country.
Among the major demands of the unions were the renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements, especially concerning professional development allowances.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding deprived area allowances, transport allowances, rent allowances, teaching, and assessment allowances, among other issues.
Earlier, the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTAs), the mother umbrella body and chief custodian of all school-based Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) at the Pre-tertiary level of education in Ghana urged the government to take immediate steps to address the pressing concerns of the various pre-tertiary teachers unions leading to their strike action.
The National President of the association, Christian Aikins Atsu in a press statement expressed deep concern over the impasse between the government and the various teacher unions in the country.
READ ALSO: Methane Emissions from Fossil Fuels on a Declining Trajectory Post-2023 Surge
