CETAG Presses for Resolution of Lecturers Salary
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has raised alarm over salary downgrades affecting more than 250 lecturers across the country, urging members to remain resolute as the union continues to engage authorities for redress.
The lecturers, who were impacted by reforms under the new tertiary education framework, claim they have suffered reductions in pay and the loss of certain benefits. CETAG’s General Secretary, Fidelis Kamaayi, acknowledged the frustrations of the affected members, noting that negotiations have yet to yield satisfactory results.
Speaking in a media interview, Mr. Kamaayi explained: “We were all at the same level when we were on the Colleges of Education payroll. But when the migration was done and then job evaluation and other things were reassessed, they were placed lower than they used to be.”
He further highlighted disparities in the placement of lecturers based on qualifications. “They were placed lower than their contemporaries who are MPhil holders. Therefore, those who have been affected are those who hold Master of Education, Master of Science and some other programmes. However, their counterparts with MPhil are the ones who have been placed as assistant lecturers and then these ones have been downgraded,” he said.
CETAG insists that the downgrades violate the principle of fairness enshrined in Ghana’s labour laws. “Per the Labour Act, we have what we call equal work for equal pay, so they are supposed to be remunerated the same,” Mr. Kamaayi stressed.
The union has assured members that it remains committed to pursuing the matter until a fair resolution is reached. CETAG has also called on government and relevant stakeholders to address the disparities swiftly to restore confidence among lecturers in the Colleges of Education.
Observers note that the issue underscores broader challenges in harmonizing tertiary education reforms with labour rights. For many affected lecturers, the downgrades represent not only financial strain but also a perceived undervaluing of their professional contributions.
As negotiations continue, CETAG has urged lecturers to remain steadfast, promising that the union will not relent until equity and justice are achieved.
