The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a strong call to action, demanding the full implementation of staff migration and year-round work compensation as ordered by the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) compulsory arbitration awards. The directive, issued in May 2023, remains unfulfilled, forcing CETAG to escalate its concerns.
In a press release dated December 16, 2024, CETAG emphasized the frustration of its members over repeated delays and “deceptive treatments” meted out by their employers. The statement highlights critical NLC orders that the employer has failed to honor:
1. Payment of one-month salary as compensation for additional duties performed in 2022.
2. Application of agreed public university rates to deserving CETAG members.
3. Completion of the staff audit and implementation, effective January 1, 2023.
CETAG reminded the public of its indefinite strike in August 2023, which was sparked by the employer’s non-compliance. Despite reassurances from key stakeholders, including the Vice President's Office and the Minister for Education, a lasting solution remains elusive.
Frustration Boils Over
The issue escalated further when CETAG members embarked on a historic strike from June 14 to August 19, 2024, one of the longest in recent memory. The strike underscored the deepening frustration over unresolved grievances.
While government officials promised to address CETAG’s demands and finalize the migration of Colleges of Education teachers onto university payrolls, the association notes with dismay that the October 30, 2024 deadline has passed without resolution.
CETAG’s Ultimatum
In their latest statement, CETAG calls for immediate action to:
Implement the agreed salary compensation.
Apply the standard public university salary structure.
Fully integrate all staff onto the appropriate payroll system.
The association insists that these steps are non-negotiable and critical for the welfare and morale of its members.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
CETAG’s demands reflect a broader issue of honoring agreements in the education sector. Failure to address these grievances risks further disruptions that could impact Ghana’s teacher education landscape.
As the year comes to an end, stakeholders must act swiftly to implement the NLC’s arbitration awards and restore trust between teachers and their employers. The future of teacher education depends on honoring these commitments without further delay.
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