Ghana’s nationwide teachers’ strike remains in force after talks between government and the three major pre-tertiary teacher unions ended without a final agreement on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) are continuing their industrial action over outstanding issues affecting teachers.
Why Are Teachers on Strike?
The industrial action, which began on September 25, 2026, is centred on three major concerns raised by the teacher unions:
- Promotion arrears and placement: Teachers who have passed promotion examinations want to be placed on their appropriate new salary grades and receive outstanding payments.
- New Collective Agreement: The unions are seeking progress on negotiations for a new agreement covering teachers’ conditions of service.
- 20% Deprived Area Allowance: The unions are demanding implementation of the allowance for teachers working in deprived areas.
Government Presents Fresh Proposals
Government representatives met the leadership of GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG on Friday, October 2, in an effort to resolve the dispute.
Government presented fresh proposals covering the concerns raised by the unions. However, the discussions ended without an agreement that would bring the strike to an end.
Promotion Arrears
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said government remains committed to placing promoted teachers on their new grades and addressing outstanding promotion arrears.
Government is reportedly validating data involving up to 51,000 teachers as part of the process and has indicated that it intends to address the affected teachers’ placement and arrears.
20% Deprived-Area Allowance
Government has also been working on the proposed 20% deprived-area allowance for teachers working in underserved areas.
The process involves validating information on eligible teachers and determining the areas and teachers that qualify for the allowance.
Strike Remains in Force
Despite the fresh proposals from government, the teacher unions have not called off the strike. Teachers have therefore been directed to remain away from the classroom pending further communication from their leadership.
What Happens Next?
The unions are expected to communicate their position after consulting on government’s latest proposals. Further engagements between the unions and government are also expected as efforts continue to resolve the dispute.
Impact on Schools
The ongoing industrial action has disrupted teaching and learning in public schools in different parts of Ghana. Parents and other stakeholders have called for a resolution to allow normal academic activities to resume.
Latest Update
As of October 3, 2026, the teachers’ strike has not been called off. Government and the teacher unions are expected to continue discussions on the outstanding issues.
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