Ghana Teachers' Strike Deepens: FWSC Denies Salary Deductions Amidst Urgent Resolution Calls!
Ghana's education sector faces a major crisis as pre-tertiary teacher unions continue their nationwide strike over salary arrears, promotions, and collective agreement negotiations. While the NTC Registrar calls for greater recognition for teachers, Eduwatch warns of severe impacts on learning and vulnerable children. The government and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission are engaging unions to find a resolution.
The Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, has emphasized the crucial role teachers play in shaping Ghana's future. During the Ghana Teacher Prize 2026 Grand Durbar, he called for enhanced recognition and sustained support for educators, highlighting their responsibilities beyond classroom instruction. Teachers are instrumental in fostering knowledge, values, and confidence in learners, guiding them through subjects like language, mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and practical skills. Dr. Addai-Poku acknowledged the often-unseen dedication, careful preparation, patience, and personal sacrifices made by teachers, and recognized their vital role in encouraging struggling learners to discover their potential.
The annual Ghana Teacher Prize serves as a national platform to acknowledge teachers' contributions and celebrate excellence in the profession. This year's celebration coincides with the 60th anniversary of the 1966 UNESCO-ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The global theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status, and Shaping our Future,” underscores an important message for Ghana: to transform appreciation into sustained support for the teaching profession. This support, as stressed by Dr. Addai-Poku, must include improving working environments, protecting professional dignity, and creating conditions where teachers can perform their best.
Despite these calls for support, Ghana is currently experiencing a nationwide strike by its pre-tertiary teacher unions. The industrial action, which began on September 25, 2026, entered its 12th day by October 7, 2026, leading to significant disruption in schools across the country. The strike involves the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).
The teacher unions are demanding urgent action on several outstanding issues. These include the accurate placement of promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales and the payment of related arrears. Additionally, they seek the conclusion of negotiations on a new Collective Agreement, as the existing one was due to expire in June 2026 with proposals for its review having been submitted months prior. The implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance is another key demand from the striking teachers.
Education policy think tank Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has expressed grave concerns over the prolonged strike, warning that the continued disruption of classes is depriving pupils of valuable instructional time and could severely impact learning outcomes. Eduwatch highlighted the implications not only for teaching and learning but also for the well-being of vulnerable children who rely on schools for essential services like school feeding. The organization emphasized that