Teachers give gov’t one-week ultimatum to address their concerns

Three teacher unions Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to pay certain allowances to teachers else they will lay down their tools.

The leadership of the Unions have asked the government to pay for the Deprived Area, Extra Assessment, Book/Data/Online Teaching Support as well as Upward Adjustment of Continued Professional Development Allowances.

Speaking to journalists at a news conference, they expressed their displeasure about what they described as the government’s lackadaisical attitude and failure to pay the allowances as contained in their Collective Bargaining Agreement by May 13, 2024.

Mr Adobasom Ibrahim, the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Secretary of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) said if the concerns are not addressed the unions would have no other option to lay their tools down.

On behalf of the leadership of the other unions, the GNAT Secretary said the teacher unions also demand comprehensive and satisfactory agreements that address the welfare, job security, and professional development of teachers.

The three pre-tertiary teacher unions have also called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to design and implement a service scheme that spelt out “who is qualified or not to be a teacher, head-teacher or Director”.

At the press briefing, Mr Adobasom said “We have had enough of the indifference, complacency, and unfriendliness of the employer, and would thus not countenance this situation any longer

Our condition of service and scheme of service are critical documents that determine the terms and conditions of our employment

The government’s delay in negotiating and finalizing these documents has created uncertainty, demotivation, and discontent among teachers.”

As key stakeholders in the education sector, the GNAT member said teachers shaped and determined the outcomes of the learning processes, and ensured in effect, the success of the educational system.

“However, the government has consistently demonstrated a lack of commitment and urgency in addressing our concerns, despite our tireless efforts and good faith,” Adobasom Ibrahim told the media.