Education Minister Appeals to CETAG to Suspend Strike, Promises Resolution Within Two Weeks

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has appealed to the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to suspend its ongoing strike, assuring that the government will resolve their outstanding concerns within two weeks.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the leadership of CETAG, the Minister urged the association to exercise restraint while government works toward a solution.

“I have asked them to consider calling off the strike and giving us two weeks to see what the state can do. The issue dates back to 2022, but we will fix it within the next two weeks. The ball is in their court,” he stated.

Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing matters raised by CETAG and encouraged its leaders to engage their members on the appeal.

“We are negotiating. There were issues for which the National Labour Commission made a declaration and award in CETAG’s favour, which have not been respected by the government since 2022. We will see how we can remedy the situation,” he added.

CETAG declared a nationwide strike on Monday, November 24, citing the government’s failure to fully implement the NLC’s arbitral award issued on May 2, 2023. The industrial action has disrupted academic activities across all 46 Colleges of Education nationwide. According to CETAG, the decision was approved by its National Executive Committee (NEC) in consultation with the National Council at an emergency meeting