Nationwide Strike Declared by Three Teacher Unions

The nationwide strike initiated by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, is a direct response to what they perceive as the government’s neglect in addressing their service conditions.

The primary grievances outlined by the teacher unions are:

1. Withholding of Teachers’ Salaries: The unions are worried about the government’s continuous withholding of teachers’ salaries. This government action, especially when not following established procedures, is a significant concern impacting teachers’ financial stability.
2. Unilateral Changes to Timetables: Teachers have objected to unilateral timetable changes made without consulting the unions. Such changes can disrupt teaching schedules and pose challenges for teachers in effectively planning and delivering lessons.
3. Delays in Distribution of Laptops: The unions also complain about delays in providing laptops to teachers. Access to laptops is crucial for improving digital literacy and technology integration in schools, and delays hinder teachers’ ability to use these resources effectively.

In a statement to the media, the National President of GNAT, Isaac Owusu, stressed the importance of all teachers complying with the strike directive. He raised issues regarding laptop distribution to teachers, frequent school calendar changes without union consultation, and the blocking of teachers’ salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without following proper procedures.

These grievances highlight the difficulties teachers in Ghana face and the pressing need for the government to address these concerns through constructive dialogue and negotiation with the teacher unions.