The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to immediately implement the 20% Deprived Area Allowance for teachers serving in deprived and hard-to-reach communities.
The allowance is provided for under Section 17(2) of the 2024 Collective Agreement for Teaching Staff of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
In a statement signed by the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, the Minority said the government’s failure to implement the allowance was among the concerns that prompted three teacher unions to declare an indefinite strike.
The unions, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Union (PRETAG), have cited several unresolved grievances in their decision to embark on the industrial action.
The Minority Caucus has consequently urged the government to fulfil its obligations under the agreement and ensure that teachers working in deprived areas receive the 20% allowance without further delay.
It maintained that the allowance is an agreed condition of service and criticised the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) for failing to implement conditions negotiated with the teacher unions.
The Caucus further called on the government to urgently engage the unions to conclude negotiations on a new Collective Agreement.
It also urged the authorities to ensure that teachers who have been promoted are placed on their new salary grades and paid all outstanding arrears dating back to January 2026.
