The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening an indefinite nationwide strike if the state fails to implement a binding National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitral award and settle all outstanding Book and Research Allowance arrears by November 7, 2025.
In a strongly worded statement, CETAG accused the government of persistently breaching commitments made under the NLC’s May 2023 arbitral ruling, which it says remains legally binding and enforceable.
According to the Association, despite repeated engagements with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)—including a high-level meeting on April 30, 2025—the government has failed to honour its obligation to pay the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears.
“The NLC’s arbitral award is not optional but binding on the government of the day,” the statement read, describing the delays as “a breach of trust and a disregard for the rule of law governing labour relations.”
CETAG also revealed that Akrokerri College of Education has yet to receive its top-up for the 2022 Book and Research Allowance, despite “numerous assurances” from authorities.
The Association further cited several outstanding labour concerns before the NLC, including:
- Unpaid compensation for all-year-round academic work completed in 2022 across 39 Colleges of Education.
- Downgrading of experienced academic staff following salary structure migration.
- Arrears of 2022/2023 book and research allowances linked to CETAG’s placement on the university salary scale.
CETAG warned that if the government fails to act by the end of October 2025, it will interpret the continued inaction as a deliberate provocation.
“Failure to comply fully by 7th November 2025 shall be deemed an official strike notice across all Colleges of Education. This industrial action will remain in force until the last pesewa owed to CETAG is paid,” the Association cautioned.
The teachers’ group said its patience has been “stretched beyond limits”, adding that the government’s inaction threatens not only the morale of tutors but also the stability of Ghana’s teacher education system.
CETAG urged authorities to “act swiftly and decisively” to prevent disruptions to the 2025/2026 academic calendar, emphasising that the welfare and motivation of teacher educators are vital to sustaining quality in the nation’s teacher training institutions.
As of press time, the government had yet to issue an official response to CETAG’s ultimatum.
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