The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has firmly stated that its ongoing strike will continue until the Council reaches a satisfactory resolution. This declaration comes despite calls from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to suspend the industrial action and engage in further dialogue.
Why CETAG is on Strike
CETAG began its indefinite strike on Thursday, January 2, 2025, following an Emergency National Council meeting held on December 30, 2024. This decision was in response to unresolved grievances despite previous notices of strike served on September 26 and December 23, 2024. According to CETAG, these notices failed to prompt meaningful action from the National Labour Commission (NLC).
In a press release, CETAG highlighted its dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to address their concerns effectively. Maxwell Bunu, CETAG President, explained that the government’s financial commitments so far have been insufficient. He said, “What we saw today, probably if they were to show those documents to us earlier, we wouldn’t have been where we are. It has always been documentation and promises; we have not seen any full action.”
READ ALSO: GTEC Urges Colleges of Education Teachers to End Strike Immediately
GTEC's Reaction
GTEC’s Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, described the strike as ill-timed and counterproductive. In a press statement, he urged CETAG to suspend the strike and assured them of GTEC’s commitment to resolving their issues.
However, CETAG remains unconvinced. Maxwell Bunu told Citi FM's Eyewitness News, “All the documents they have shown to us, we need to brief the council about what transpired today. Based on what I have seen, I made it known to Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai that it’s not sufficient to enable us to call off or suspend the strike.”
He added, “We’re not calling off this strike. The best we can do is to moderate the elements of the strike. For us to just call it off, I don’t think that is feasible.”
Government Criticized for Insensitivity
CETAG has accused the government of being insensitive to their concerns. They argue that previous promises have not translated into action, leaving teachers with no choice but to escalate their demands through industrial action.
The association remains steadfast in its resolve, emphasizing that the strike is necessary to secure the rights and welfare of its members. As Maxwell Bunu put it, “The council will take a decision, but for now, we are not in a position to suspend or call off the strike.”
SEE ALSO: Colleges Of Education Reopening Date and Potential Challenges Ahead
The standoff between CETAG and the government continues, with stakeholders calling for a swift and amicable resolution to minimize disruption to the education sector.
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