The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) have commenced a nationwide strike over outstanding concerns involving teachers’ salaries, promotion arrears and allowances.
The industrial action took effect on Friday, September 25, 2026, after the government failed to resolve the issues by a deadline set by the unions.
The unions had given the government until midday on Thursday, September 24, to address their concerns, but said the deadline passed without a satisfactory resolution.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the unions said their decision followed months of delays and what they described as unfulfilled commitments by the relevant authorities, including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
“In light of the above circumstances and given the delays, unfulfilled promises on the part of the duty bearers and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), as well as threats by the rank-and-file of our members, we, the teacher unions, do stand with our members and hereby declare a nationwide industrial action (Strike), effective today, Friday, 25th September 2026,” the statement said.
The unions listed three main issues behind the strike, including the delay in concluding negotiations for a new Collective Agreement, the failure to place newly promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales, and the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
According to the unions, the existing Collective Agreement has expired, while negotiations for its replacement, which they expected to have concluded by June 2026, remain unresolved.
They said several engagements with the FWSC on the matter had not resulted in the conclusion of the negotiations.
The unions are also demanding the automatic placement of teachers who passed promotion examinations in December 2025 and February 2026 on their respective salary scales.
They are seeking payment of the resulting arrears dating back to January 2026, saying the delay in implementing the promotions has heightened frustration among affected teachers.
Another key issue is the Deprived Area Allowance.
The unions said the 2024 Collective Agreement requires the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to review the Deprived Area Report before the unions and the FWSC negotiate the applicable allowance.
They contend that the required process has yet to be completed.
The unions also raised concerns over the failure to implement a directive relating to incentives for teachers serving in deprived and hard-to-reach areas.
They said the unresolved matters have contributed to “widespread disaffection, anger, and disillusionment” among their members.
The nationwide strike will therefore remain in force as the unions push for action on the outstanding issues.
