CETAG declares strike over government’s failure to implement NLC Arbitral Award

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), has declared a strike over government’s failure to implement the National Labour Commission (NLC) Arbitral Award.

The National Executive Committee (NEC), in consultation with the National Council of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), at its emergency meeting held on 19th November 2025, has agreed to withdraw all services effective Monday, 24th November 2025.

According to CETAG’s release, this decision follows the government’s failure to implement the National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitral award issued on 2nd May 2023.

CETAG stated that they remain committed to quality teacher education. However, the government’s persistent indifference, disregard for binding agreements and failure to honour obligations under the NLC arbitral award of 2nd May 2023 have left the Association with no alternative but to activate this industrial action.

Below is the list of reasons from CETAG that necessitated the strike:

1. Non-payment of All-Year-Round Work Compensation for additional duties performed in 2022 for the remaining 39 Colleges of Education, with only partial payment made to the Accra College of Education.

2. Outstanding Book and Research Allowance arrears for the 2023/2024 academic year.

3. Outstanding Book and Research Allowance arrears for the 2022/2023 academic year

4. Outstanding Book and Research Top-up arrears for the 2021/2022 academic year owed to Akrokerri College of Education.

5. Downgrading of some experienced teaching staff who hold master’s degrees in the Colleges of Education, which undermines professional dignity and violates agreed conditions of service and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

Explaining, CETAG said they previously cautioned in their 27th October, 2025 press release that, continued government inaction would leave the Association with no option but to resort to industrial action. Regrettably, this warning has not been heeded, compelling CETAG to proceed with the strike.

“The NLC arbitral award of 2nd May 2023 is legally binding on the government and the failure to implement it in full constitutes a breach of labour law and collective bargaining principles,” CETAG states.

“CETAG has exhausted all avenues for dialogue and can no longer tolerate such disregard for due process and fairness.”

CETAG states unequivocally that:

• Members will not return to the lecture halls and supervise students on STS until all the listed grievances are fully resolved.

•The strike is a legitimate response to the government’s breach of agreements and disregard for the NLC arbitral award.

• While CETAG remains committed to quality teacher education, it will not allow its members to be exploited, disrespected, or further impoverished.

They call on all stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the Government of Ghana, to act with the required urgency and good faith to resolve these matters.

Industrial harmony and the future of teacher education in Ghana depend on your timely and responsible response to our concerns.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh