The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to continue their strike action if their demands are not met. At a press briefing in Ho on August 15, CETAG emphasized that they will not back down until their demands are fully addressed.
CETAG has been engaged in a long-standing struggle for better conditions of service, with their spokesperson stressing the need for immediate action from the government. The teachers are demanding improved conditions of service, including fair compensation and recognition of academic ranks.
The struggle for fair treatment dates back to 2021, when CETAG first went on strike over unresolved issues related to their conditions of service. Despite numerous negotiations and meetings, a consensus agreement with the government has yet to be reached.
CETAG has expressed frustration with the government’s failure to implement the rulings made by the National Labour Commission (NLC). In 2022, the NLC ruled in favor of CETAG, directing the government to compensate them. However, the government has yet to act on this ruling.
Dominic Owusu, spokesperson for CETAG, disclosed that the association has had enough of empty promises. CETAG is now insisting on full implementation of the NLC’s rulings and will not accept anything less.
CETAG is also critical of the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who they accuse of being indifferent to their plight. The teachers claim that the Minister made promises on two separate occasions, which led them to suspend their strikes, but nothing has been done since.
The association is also critical of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which they alleged has not been proactive in their struggle for justice. CETAG is demanding that GTEC takes a more active role in addressing their concerns.
In response to these challenges, CETAG is making a series of firm demands. They want the full implementation of the staff audit report, payment of 20 months of arrears, and proper recognition of academic ranks.
CETAG has made it clear that they will not accept anything less than full implementation of their demands. The association has stated that they will not call off their current strike until there is tangible proof that their demands are being met.
CETAG’s stance is resolute: this time, they want action, not words. The association is determined to fight for their rights and will not back down until they achieve their goals.
