CETAG threatens nationwide strike over unpaid allowances
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has presented a firm ultimatum to the government, insisting on the complete execution of the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) arbitral award by the conclusion of October 2025 or risk a nationwide strike involving all 46 Colleges of Education.
In a strongly articulated statement dated October 27, 2025, CETAG conveyed its profound frustration regarding what it termed the government’s “persistent failure” to comply with the binding arbitral award issued by the NLC on May 2, 2023, which aimed to address longstanding compensation issues among tutors in Colleges of Education.
CETAG stated that despite numerous discussions and assurances, the government has not yet disbursed the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears as agreed with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on April 30, 2025.
The association pointed out that these arrears were expected to be paid alongside the 2024/2025 allowance but have been “inexplicably delayed”.
CETAG further characterised the government’s failure to provide the top-up of the 2022 Book and Research Allowance for staff at Akrokerri College of Education, despite repeated assurances, as troubling.
In addition to the outstanding allowances, the association underscored several unresolved issues still pending before the NLC. These include:
Compensation for All-Year-Round Work for 39 Colleges of Education for additional duties performed in 2022.
The downgrading of experienced staff, which CETAG argues undermines professionalism and morale.
The non-payment of the 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance arrears, which are dependent on CETAG’s transition to the university salary structure.
CETAG asserts that these delays signify a breach of trust and a neglect of labour laws, stressing that the NLC’s arbitral award is legally binding and not subject to governmental discretion.
The association has consequently issued a final warning to the government: if all outstanding elements of the arbitral award are not completely executed by October 31, 2025, it will “advise itself”.
More specifically, CETAG declared that if the government does not fulfil its obligations by November 7, 2025, that date will be regarded as an official strike notice, resulting in a nationwide industrial action across all Colleges of Education.
“This industrial action will remain in force until the last pesewa owed to CETAG is paid,” the statement declared.
CETAG urged the government to take prompt action to prevent disruptions to the 2025/2026 academic calendar, cautioning that ongoing inaction could destabilise teaching and learning at the nation’s Colleges of Education.
“We urge the government to act decisively and prioritise the welfare of teacher educators and the broader academic community,” the statement concluded.