The Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has criticised the government over what it describes as repeated delays in resolving outstanding concerns that led to the nationwide teachers’ strike.
Speaking during a meeting with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Monday, September 28, PRETAG Vice President Adokwei Ayikwei Awulley said teachers had received repeated assurances on the Deprived Area Allowance, but had yet to see a clear implementation plan.
“But it seems it has become more or less a football. We throw it here, and then we throw it here,” Mr Awulley said, expressing frustration over the issue.
He said the unions were also concerned about the delayed placement of promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales and the payment of related arrears.
Another outstanding matter, according to PRETAG, is the negotiation of a new collective agreement for teachers. The existing agreement expired in June 2026, while discussions on a replacement remain unresolved.
The concerns form part of the issues behind the strike declared by PRETAG, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) on September 25.
The government has since appealed to the unions to return to the classroom while efforts are made to address their demands. However, the unions have rejected the call, insisting that they want concrete action, including payment of outstanding salaries and arrears, before ending the industrial action.
The dispute has raised concerns about its potential impact on Ghana’s school calendar, which was recently restored to a September-to-July cycle.
