The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has announced a complete withdrawal of all services with immediate effect.

According to the labor union, the reason for the decision is in reaction to a directive from the Minister for Education instructing the Principals of the 46 public colleges of education and the Controller and Accountant General not to validate the July 2024 salaries of the teaching staff.

“In an emergency meeting of the National Council, on July 23rd, 2024, council members took a unanimous decision to withdraw all our services which include attendance to meetings, congregation ceremonies, and provision of academic counseling services as well as supervision of students in the halls of residence with immediate effect until further notice”.
National President, Mr. Prince Obeng-Himah and Ag. National Secretary, Mr. Thomas Ampomah

In a statement signed by the National President, Mr. Prince Obeng-Himah, and the Acting National Secretary, Mr. Thomas Ampomah, CETAG expressed strong opposition to the Ministry’s directive, labeling it as illegal.

The directive, according to the leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana as issued by the Ministry of Education is a punitive measure against its members for their ongoing legal strike.

Implications of the Service Withdrawal

In emphasizing the implication of its action, the union reiterated its firm decision to halt its services, including the cessation of attendance at meetings, participation in congregation ceremonies, provision of academic counseling services, and supervision of students in the halls of residence.

According to the statement, the impact of its decision will be felt across all 46 public colleges of education.

Additionally, the leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana indicated that it has referred the directive of the Ministry of Education to its legal team for immediate action, signaling its intent to challenge the salary freeze in court.

“Leadership is determined to fight until justice is served,” the statement read, underscoring the leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana’s resolve to continue their struggle.

The leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana assured its members of unwavering support and commitment to securing a fair resolution to the ongoing dispute.

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana, in a fervent call to action, emphasized its determination to persist in its fight for justice and fair treatment for teacher educators across the country.

Meanwhile, Honorable Clement Abas Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, in an earlier call, expressed concern about the prolonged strike by the College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) and its impact on students.

He urged the government once more to fulfill its commitments to the lecturers, enabling them to resume teaching and return to the classroom.

Hon. Apaak warned that if the stalemate persists, it will inevitably hinder the students’ progress and throw the academic calendar into disarray, causing significant disruptions to the educational schedule.

The strike, which began in June this year, has been a response to long-standing grievances related to working conditions, remuneration, and other critical issues affecting teacher educators in Ghana.

The leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana has consistently argued that their concerns have been ignored, leading to a prolonged standoff with the Ministry of Education.