COLLEGES OF EDUCATION STUDENTS MIGHT GO TO SCHOOL NEXT YEAR
By Simeon Leo | November 10, 2025
If you are a teacher trainee or about to enter a College of Education in Ghana, brace yourself — your next academic journey might not begin this year at all. The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has sounded a serious warning that could throw the academic calendar off balance.
CETAG, the union representing lecturers and tutors at all 46 Colleges of Education in Ghana, has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over unpaid allowances and unfulfilled agreements with the government. According to reports, the association has been demanding the full implementation of an arbitral award given by the National Labour Commission (NLC) since May 2023. The award covered key issues such as the payment of the Book and Research Allowance, compensation for all-year-round academic work, and salary migration to university structures.
Why This Could Delay the Academic Year
If CETAG makes good on its threat, students across the country might have to wait until next year before returning to school. The association’s warning comes just as colleges are preparing to reopen, meaning any industrial action could freeze both teaching and administrative activities.
This potential disruption doesn’t just affect teachers — it trickles down to thousands of teacher trainees, new applicants, and even basic schools expecting fresh teaching staff next year. A delay in the training pipeline could create a shortage of teachers in some parts of the country.
Government’s Position
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance have both assured that efforts are underway to release the necessary funds. However, CETAG insists that “assurances” are no longer enough — they want actions, not promises. The union says it has been patient for months, yet the agreed conditions remain unfulfilled.
Students Left in Uncertainty
For many teacher trainees, this news is a blow. Some have already prepared to return to campus, paid for accommodation, or made travel arrangements. Others fear that if the strike goes on for long, their academic progress and graduation could be delayed.
If the government fails to meet CETAG’s demands within the next few weeks, students might only see their classrooms again sometime in 2026 — hence the rising joke among students that they “might go to school next year”.
The Bigger Picture
This situation is a reflection of deeper challenges within Ghana’s education system — from funding gaps to unfulfilled promises. Strikes have become a recurring theme in the sector, showing how much more attention and negotiation are needed to maintain stability in teacher education.
Sources:
- GhanaWeb: CETAG threatens nationwide strike over unpaid allowances
- MyJoyOnline: CETAG warns government over unfulfilled arbitral award
- Coleman Publications: CETAG to embark on indefinite strike before reopening
© 2025 | Organized by Simeon Leo
