Teacher unions suspend nationwide strike to resume work on October 12

Three major pre-tertiary teacher unions—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG)—have suspended their nationwide industrial action. Following successful negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Council of State, union members have been directed to return to their classrooms starting Monday, October 12, 2026. The strike, which commenced on September 25, had disrupted academic activities across the country as teachers pushed for the resolution of several long-standing grievances regarding their conditions of service. A central component of the agreement is a commitment from the Ministry of Education to settle outstanding promotion-related salary adjustments. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu confirmed that eligible teachers will receive these payments by October 16, 2026. During a visit to the Osu Presbyterian Cluster of Schools to assess the situation, the Minister explained that the government is currently fast-tracking the necessary administrative processes and record validations required to facilitate the disbursements. He assured educators that the government remains dedicated to addressing financial arrears despite broader economic challenges. In addition to salary adjustments, the negotiations addressed the demand for a 20 percent deprived-area allowance and the finalization of a new collective agreement. While the strike has been suspended to allow for the resumption of teaching, the government has indicated that further validation is necessary to confirm eligibility for the proposed allowances. The Council of State played a significant role in mediating the dispute, initiating dialogues between PRETAG and the Ministry of Education to ensure that the concerns of the teaching staff were heard and incorporated into the final resolution framework. The Ministry of Education has expressed its appreciation to the leadership of the three unions for their willingness to engage in dialogue and for prioritizing the interests of students. Press Secretary Hashmin Mohammed noted that the suspension of the strike is a positive step toward ensuring long-term stability in the education sector. The Ministry urged all parties to maintain the current spirit of cooperation to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing that continued collaboration with stakeholders is essential for improving teacher welfare and the quality of education in Ghana.