CETAG threatens strike Nov 7
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has warned the government to fully implement the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) arbitral award by 31 October 2025, or face a nationwide strike across all 46 Colleges of Education.
In a statement released on 27 October 2025, CETAG expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s persistent neglect of its obligations under the binding award issued by the NLC on 2 May 2023.
The award was intended to address long-standing concerns about the compensation of tutors in the Colleges of Education.
CETAG noted that despite several meetings and assurances, the government has failed to release the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears, which were expected to be paid alongside the 2024/2025 allowance, in line with an agreement reached with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on 30 April 2025.
The association further described as “disturbing” the continued delay in paying the top-up of the 2022 Book and Research Allowance for staff of Akrokerri College of Education, despite multiple assurances from the authorities.
Outstanding Labour Concerns
CETAG also listed several unresolved labour matters currently before the NLC. These include the Payment of All-Year-Round Work compensation for tutors in 39 Colleges of Education for extra duties performed in 2022; the downgrading of experienced staff, which the union says has weakened morale and professionalism and Non-payment of the 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance arrears linked to CETAG’s migration onto the university salary structure.
The association stressed that the NLC’s arbitral award is legally binding and not subject to the government’s discretion, describing the ongoing delays as a clear breach of trust and a violation of labour laws.
Strike Notice
CETAG warned that failure by the government to meet all outstanding obligations by 31 October 2025 would compel the union to “advise itself.” The strike is set to begin on 7 November 2025 if the government fails to act.
“This industrial action will continue until every pesewa owed to CETAG is paid,” the statement said.
Call for Immediate Action
CETAG appealed to the government to act quickly to avoid disruptions to the 2025/2026 academic calendar, warning that prolonged inaction could negatively affect teaching and learning in Colleges of Education nationwide.
“We urge the government to prioritise the welfare of teacher educators and safeguard the stability of academic work,” CETAG added.
The statement was jointly signed by Mr Maxwell Bunu, National President, and Mr Fidelis Kamaayi, National Secretary.
