By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Three teacher unions, namely the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), have declared a nationwide strike effective Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
According to the executives of the three teacher unions, their decision to embark on a nationwide strike was a result of government’s refusal to address their conditions of service.
The National President of GNAT, Mr. Isaac Owusu, addressing a cross section of journalists in Accra on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, highlighted key grievances, which include the ongoing withholding of teachers’ salaries, unilateral changes to timetables without consulting the unions, and delays in the distribution of laptops to teachers.
“The distribution of laptops to all teachers is of concern. The rampant changes of school calendar without recourse to negotiation with the teacher unions is affecting the smooth operation of the service.
Also the blockage of teachers salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without recourse to the laid down procedures is a major worry.
In light of the above circumstances and given the delays and unfulfilled promises on the part of the employer and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and also threats from the rank and file of our members we the pre tertiary teacher unions do stand with our members and hereby declare a nationwide industrial action effective today, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to press home our demand,” he stated.
The National President of GNAT has thus called on all teachers across the country to heed the directive.