CETAG Strike: Who Is Really to Blame? CETAG, PRINCOF, GTEC or Government | The Probe – Watch full video Here

The ongoing CETAG strike has once again brought tension into Ghana’s Colleges of Education. Lecturers are on strike, students are at home, academic calendars are disturbed, and frustration is growing. Many people are asking one big question: Who is really to blame for this strike? Is it CETAG, PRINCOF, GTEC, or the Government?

This article takes a simple look at the issue so everyone can understand what is happening.

What Is CETAG and Why Are They on Strike?

CETAG means College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana. It is the group that represents tutors in the Colleges of Education.

According to CETAG, the strike is not new. They say they have been patient for years, but their concerns have not been fully addressed. Some of their main complaints include:

• Delays in payment of negotiated allowances
• Poor conditions of service
• Unfair migration issues under the new university status
• Partial payments of money owed to them

CETAG argues that they only resorted to strike action because dialogue did not bring results.

Is CETAG Really to Blame?

Some people believe CETAG should not go on strike because students suffer the most. Teacher trainees lose learning time, delay graduation, and face financial stress.

However, CETAG insists that strike is their last option, not their first choice. They argue that without pressure, their issues will continue to be ignored. From their point of view, they are only demanding what was already agreed upon.

So, while the strike hurts students, CETAG believes the root problem is neglect, not their action.

What About PRINCOF?

They manage the colleges and serve as a link between tutors and government agencies.

Many students feel PRINCOF has not done enough to protect the academic calendar. Some also believe principals focus more on administration than on pushing hard for tutors’ welfare.

However, PRINCOF argues that they do not control salaries or national policy. Their role is limited, and many decisions are beyond their power.

Watch the video below from Joynwes for more insights: Video credit Joynews 

Is GTEC Responsible?

GTEC, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, regulates tertiary institutions, including Colleges of Education.

CETAG has often accused GTEC of:

• Poor handling of staff migration
• Delays in implementing agreed policies
• Treating Colleges of Education unfairly compared to universities

If GTEC had acted faster and clearer, some people believe the strike could have been avoided. So yes, GTEC’s role cannot be ignored in this matter.

Is the Government the Main Cause?

Many observers believe the government carries the biggest responsibility. This is because:

• Government approves funding
• Government signs agreements with unions
• Government has the power to ensure timely payments

When agreements are signed but not fully implemented, trust is broken. CETAG leaders have said clearly that only part of what was due them has been paid, which shows a lack of commitment.

Without strong political will, strikes like this will continue to happen.

Who Suffers the Most?

Sadly, the biggest victims are teacher trainees. The strike affects:

• Academic calendars
• Internships and teaching practice
• Graduation timelines
• Mental and financial well-being of students

Students are not part of negotiations, yet they pay the highest price.

So, Who Is Really to Blame?

The truth is simple: no single group is fully innocent.

• CETAG is fighting for its members
• PRINCOF has limited power
• GTEC has regulatory responsibility
• Government controls funding and policy

However, if one must be pointed out strongly, government inaction and delays appear to be the main trigger.

The Way Forward

What Ghana needs now is honest dialogue, respect for agreements, and urgent action. Education should never be held hostage for long.

If all stakeholders work together with sincerity, strikes like this can be avoided in the future.

Education must move forward. The future teachers of Ghana deserve better.