The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has taken a drastic measure by withdrawing all its services in response to the government’s directive to freeze their July salaries. The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) had instructed the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to suspend the salaries of all striking CETAG members, except for the Principals, for July 2024.
This directive was issued on July 22, and it has sparked a strong reaction from CETAG, which has been engaged in a labor dispute with the government. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 23, CETAG announced that it is withdrawing all its services with immediate effect until further notice.
The services affected include attendance to meetings, congregation ceremonies, provision of academic counseling services, and supervision of students in the halls of residence. CETAG’s National Council took a unanimous decision to withdraw these services in an emergency meeting held on July 23.
The association has also referred the directive to freeze their July salaries to their lawyers for necessary action, describing it as “illegal”. Meanwhile, GTEC has urged the striking members of CETAG to return to the classrooms, assuring them that their concerns are being addressed.
However, CETAG’s withdrawal of services is likely to exacerbate the already tense situation, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this latest development. The labor dispute between CETAG and the government has been ongoing for some time, with CETAG demanding improved working conditions and benefits for its members.
