Ghana’s Three Teachers’ Unions Suspend Strike as Government Negotiations Continue

By Justice Kaakyir Baako NTARMAH Osmara Digital Media | West Africa Correspondent

ACCRA, Ghana | October 10, 2026

Three major pre-tertiary teachers’ unions in Ghana have suspended their industrial action following high-level negotiations with the government, paving the way for teachers to return to classrooms on Monday, October 12, as discussions on outstanding labour issues continue.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) began the strike on September 28, 2026, to press for the resolution of outstanding employment-related concerns, including remuneration and promotion-related grievances.

The suspension follows a high-level meeting held on Friday, October 9, involving the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, the leadership of the three unions and other key government and labour-sector stakeholders.

Discussions focused on the placement of promoted teachers on the appropriate salary scales, a proposed 20 per cent deprived-area allowance and negotiations towards a new collective agreement.

The unions’ decision to suspend the strike provides an opportunity for the parties to continue negotiations through established labour relations mechanisms while restoring normal teaching and learning activities in public schools.

Government and Unions Commit to Continued Dialogue

During the meeting, Minister Agyekum reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing outstanding labour concerns and promoting industrial harmony through sustained engagement with organised labour.

As part of measures to strengthen labour relations and prevent recurring industrial disputes, the minister committed to holding quarterly meetings with the leadership of the three unions to discuss their concerns, review progress and work towards lasting solutions.

The proposed arrangement is intended to provide a regular platform for consultation, early intervention in emerging disputes and constructive engagement between the government and teachers’ representatives.

The discussions also underscored the importance of resolving employment-related grievances through dialogue and negotiation while safeguarding the continuity and quality of public education.

Public Concerns Over Disruption to Education

The industrial action had raised concerns among parents, guardians, students and other members of the public over interruptions to teaching and learning.

While acknowledging the importance of addressing teachers’ employment concerns, members of the public had appealed to the unions and the government to find a mutually acceptable resolution that would allow learners to return to their normal school routines.

Former Executive Secretary of Ghana’s National Labour Commission, Hon. Ofosu Asamoah, was among those who appealed for an end to the strike, recognising the disruption to students’ education while acknowledging the unions’ right to pursue their grievances through lawful industrial action.

“What the teachers are doing is not illegal, but we appeal to them to call off the strike. Students are suffering and their education is being disrupted,” he said.

He also questioned the difference in public resource mobilisation when national sporting activities require support compared with the response to concerns affecting teachers.

His remarks reflected the wider public debate over the need to balance workers’ rights, the resolution of employment disputes and the protection of learners’ educational interests.

Senior Government and Labour Officials Attend Meeting

The meeting brought together several senior government and labour-sector officials, including the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson; the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Employers’ Association, Alex Frimpong; the Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr George Smith-Graham.

Also in attendance was the Chief Director of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hamidu Adakurugu, alongside other government officials and representatives of the three teachers’ unions.

Their participation reflected the cross-institutional nature of the outstanding issues, particularly those involving public-sector remuneration, salary structures, employment conditions and collective bargaining.

Negotiations to Continue After Suspension

The suspension of the strike marks an important step towards restoring industrial relations between the government and the teachers’ unions. However, the substantive issues that prompted the industrial action remain subject to continued negotiations.

Teachers are expected to resume classroom duties on Monday, October 12, while the parties continue discussions on the outstanding demands.

The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will be significant for the implementation of agreed employment conditions, the welfare of teachers and the stability of Ghana’s public education sector.

For the government and organised labour, sustained dialogue, timely implementation of commitments and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms will be essential to achieving a durable settlement and reducing the likelihood of future industrial action.

The parties now face the task of translating their renewed engagement into practical agreements that address teachers’ concerns while supporting uninterrupted learning and the delivery of quality education.