The Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETERG) has given the government until the end of August to resolve outstanding issues concerning teachers’ conditions of service, warning that failure to act could trigger further action.
The Association said the prolonged delay in negotiating a new agreement has left teachers frustrated and demoralised, particularly after the expiration of the existing conditions of service agreement in June 2024.
Speaking at PRETERG’s 2nd National Executive Council Meeting in Accra, National President King Ali Awudu said teachers have waited for more than a year for meaningful negotiations to begin.
He argued that the delay has created uncertainty within the profession and placed additional pressure on teachers already dealing with rising living costs and increasing demands in the classroom.
PRETERG Demands Improved Allowances
Mr. Awudu identified remuneration and stagnant allowances among the major issues affecting teacher morale. He called on the government to increase the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) allowance from GH¢1,200 to GH¢2,000 annually.
PRETERG is also demanding the restoration and expansion of other support measures, including the book and research allowance, rural allowance and the provision of laptops to teachers.
Mr. Awudu said teachers require adequate resources and incentives to deliver quality education, particularly as technology, research and digital learning become increasingly important to the education system.
The Association is also calling for the implementation of a deprived area allowance for teachers working in underserved and hard-to-reach communities. According to PRETERG, additional compensation for teachers in such areas could help attract and retain qualified personnel and address persistent staffing gaps in rural communities.
Association Presses Government on Promotion Delays
PRETERG has further called on government to address delays affecting the promotion of qualified teachers to higher positions within the education service. Mr. Awudu specifically raised concerns about the stalled promotion process involving Deputy Director Two and Deputy Director One positions through to Director level.
He said the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has delayed implementing a directive intended to facilitate the promotions. According to him, the delay goes beyond an administrative challenge because it affects career progression, professional motivation and the prospects of teachers who have met the requirements for advancement.
He therefore appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that the outstanding promotions are implemented before the end of August.
PRETERG Cites Government Commitments
Mr. Awudu also called on government to fulfil campaign commitments made by President Mahama concerning the teaching profession, particularly promises relating to improved conditions of service and promotion-related concerns.
He argued that education remains central to national development and teachers should therefore be treated as strategic partners in achieving the country’s educational objectives.
The PRETERG President said the current situation is particularly concerning because teachers are facing larger class sizes, new curriculum demands and other responsibilities without corresponding improvements in their welfare.
He maintained that continued delays could negatively affect teacher morale and ultimately undermine the quality of education delivered to students.
Teachers Raise Welfare Concerns
Beyond conditions of service, PRETERG expressed concern about broader welfare challenges affecting teachers, including delays in salary payments, pension contributions, healthcare and unexplained deductions or arrears.
Mr. Awudu said such challenges have compounded the financial pressures facing teachers and require urgent attention from the relevant government agencies. He stressed that PRETERG is not seeking confrontation but expects government to demonstrate good faith by opening negotiations and providing a clear roadmap for resolving the outstanding issues.
According to him, the August deadline is intended to provide government with sufficient time to act while demonstrating that teachers’ concerns are being taken seriously.
PRETERG Calls for Political Will
Mr. Awudu said resolving teachers’ concerns requires more than policy commitments and verbal assurances, stressing the need for political will, proper planning and adequate budgetary allocations.
He argued that Ghana’s education and development objectives cannot be achieved if teachers, who are at the centre of the education system, are neglected. The Association believes that improving teachers’ conditions of service should be viewed as an investment rather than a financial burden.
According to Mr. Awudu, better remuneration, improved working conditions and stronger welfare support could enhance teacher retention, motivation and performance, ultimately contributing to improved learning outcomes.
He also appealed to parents, civil society organisations and traditional leaders to support efforts to improve teachers’ welfare.
August Deadline
PRETERG reiterated its willingness to engage the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions to find lasting solutions to the outstanding concerns.
However, Mr. Awudu stressed that continued dialogue must result in concrete action within the specified timeframe. “If by the end of August nothing has been done, then the government has to blame itself. We have been patient. We have been engaging. But patience has its limits,” he warned.
The Association concluded its National Executive Council meeting with a commitment to monitor government’s response and keep members informed of developments.
Members were also encouraged to remain united and professional as the Association continues its engagement with government over conditions of service and other outstanding welfare concerns.
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