The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has once again expressed deep frustration over what it calls the government’s “persistent failure” to fully implement the National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitral award issued on May 2, 2023. In a strongly worded press statement, CETAG demanded immediate government action to address their long-standing grievances or risk a nationwide strike across all 46 Colleges of Education.
According to the statement, CETAG lamented the government’s inability to honour its own commitments despite repeated engagements and assurances. The association noted that lecturers in the Colleges of Education are yet to receive their 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears, which were supposed to have been paid alongside the 2024/2025 allowance. “Despite repeated engagements and assurances, the Government has failed to pay the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears as agreed with Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on 30th April 2025,” the statement read.
CETAG described this development as a breach of trust and a disregard for the rule of law, warning that such negligence undermines the dignity and motivation of lecturers. The association also drew attention to other unresolved issues pending before the NLC.
These include:
- All-Year-Round Work compensation for lecturers in thirty-nine (39) Colleges of Education who performed extra duties in 2022.
- The downgrading of experienced staff, which CETAG says “undermines professional dignity and deeply demotivates staff.”
The statement also made reference to the non-payment of the 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance arrears, which CETAG said was tied to their migration onto the university salary structure. “CETAG views these delays and omissions as a breach of trust and a disregard for the rule of law governing labour relations,” the association emphasized. “The NLC’s arbitral award is not optional but binding on the government of the day.”
A Clear Warning Issued
CETAG did not mince words in warning the government of a possible nationwide strike if the arrears are not fully settled soon. “CETAG hereby serves notice that if the Government fails to fully implement all outstanding components of the NLC arbitral award by the end of October 2025, we shall advise ourselves,” the statement warned.
The association further indicated that if by November 7, 2025, the government still fails to pay all outstanding allowances, CETAG will officially consider it a strike notice. The intended strike, according to the statement, will continue “until the last pesewa owed CETAG is paid.”
The Call for Swift Action
CETAG’s leadership urged the government to act swiftly and definitively to prevent another academic disruption that could affect the 2025/2026 academic calendar.“We urge the Government to act swiftly and definitively to avert disruption in the 2025/2026 academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teacher educators and the broader academic community is prioritized,” CETAG concluded.
This latest warning from CETAG comes at a crucial time when academic activities are just beginning for the new academic year. Many stakeholders fear that another strike could negatively impact the progress of teacher trainees across the country, especially final-year students preparing for their teaching internships.
Once CETAG begins its strike, all Colleges of Education in Ghana will face major academic disruption. The 2025/2026 academic year may be postponed to next year if the government fails to act quickly. All teacher trainees are advised to stay alert and follow official updates.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the government to see whether it will heed CETAG’s call and settle the arrears to prevent another round of industrial action that could paralyze teacher education in Ghana.
