The leadership of pre-tertiary teacher unions in Ghana has called off a planned demonstration that was set for Tuesday, October 1, in the Greater Accra Region.
This decision was made after hours of discussions on Monday, September 30, between union leaders, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Accra. During the meeting, the concerns that had pushed the unions to protest were addressed.
One key issue raised by the unions was the delayed payment of allowances for teachers working in deprived areas.
Dr. Adutwum provided documents from the Ministry of Education, showing that steps were already being taken to make these payments.
The necessary data had been validated by the GES, and the Ministry of Finance had given its approval.
The Minister also confirmed that the government had kept its promise to double the Professional Development Allowance (PDA) for teachers. These payments were successfully made in September.
The meeting was attended by representatives from major teacher unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT-GH), and GES management.
SEE ALSO: CETAG Threatens Indefinite Strike Over Government's Failure to Honor Agreements, Issues Ultimatum
After the discussions, union leaders asked their members to stand down from the planned protest, assuring them that their concerns were being addressed.
Previously, on August 27, the unions had issued a press release outlining unresolved issues from the Collective Agreement signed on May 24, 2024.
These issues included the start of talks on Deprived Area Allowances, promotions from Deputy Director to Director II and Director I, as well as delayed Tier-2 pension payments and challenges with the Public Services Commission related to upgrading, reinstatement, and rank issues.
The suspension of the demonstration indicates positive progress between the unions and the government in resolving the ongoing concerns of teachers.
Do you have something to say about this pose? Your comment are welcome.