The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has announced its decision to embark on an indefinite strike beginning December 31, 2024, citing the government’s failure to address unresolved demands and uphold previous agreements.
This decision follows an emergency meeting of CETAG’s National Council held on Friday, December 20, 2024. In a statement issued on Monday, December 23, the union accused the government of breaching agreements and roadmaps related to a compulsory arbitration award by the National Labour Commission (NLC) dated May 2, 2023.
CETAG highlighted its frustration over what it described as persistent disregard for commitments made in good faith, a situation the union believes has adversely impacted its members’ welfare and the quality of education in colleges across the country.
CETAG had previously embarked on industrial action but suspended it on August 20, 2024, following assurances from high-level government officials, including the Vice President, the Minister for Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, and the Minister of Education. These negotiations culminated in an agreement signed on August 19, 2024.
Despite these assurances, CETAG now contends that the government has blatantly disregarded the terms of the agreement, leaving the union with no alternative but to resume its strike.
The union has called on key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), affiliate universities, and the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG), to intervene to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.
“CETAG’s leadership has exhausted all diplomatic channels to resolve these pressing issues,” the statement read. “We urge immediate action to avert further complications.”
CETAG emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of its members and the integrity of teacher education in Ghana, warning that any delays in addressing its concerns would have far-reaching implications for the education sector.
The impending strike raises concerns about potential disruptions to academic activities in colleges of education nationwide as the December 31 deadline approaches.
