'Brace yourselves for disappointment from President Mahama' — NAGRAT tells teachers

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has cautioned its members to prepare for possible disappointment after indications from government suggested that several commitments under the expired collective agreement may not be implemented this year.

Speaking at a press conference, NAGRAT National President Jacob Anaba disclosed that the union's collective agreement expired in June 2026 and negotiations to renew it have yet to be concluded.

“We had a meeting, the first meeting, on the 8th of June, and we were expecting a subsequent meeting to complete the negotiation, but unfortunately we were not invited,” he stated.

Mr. Anaba explained that the union's concerns deepened after Vice President Prof. Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang reportedly told participants at the National Labour Conference that, “Labour shouldn't expect a major change in our collective agreement.”

According to him, that position was reinforced during a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

“When they told us that, it means that all the promises that the president had made when he was a presidential candidate cannot be fulfilled,” he said.

NAGRAT noted that among the key commitments likely to be affected are the promotion of teachers from Deputy Director to Director II and Director I, the introduction of a 20 per cent deprived area allowance for teachers serving in disadvantaged communities, and accommodation support for teachers posted to such areas.

“So, it means these promises cannot be fulfilled this year. So, we thought it wise to inform our members,” Mr. Anaba said.

He indicated that the union had begun informing its members about the latest developments and urged them to remain prepared for the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.

“We are not happy with the outcome of what we were engaging, but they have asked us to come next week. But we are reassured in our commitment to ensure that the right thing is done. And then, also, we are asking government to ensure that these promises that were made are fulfilled.”

Mr. Anaba stressed that governments must honour commitments made to workers in order to maintain confidence and trust.

“If you made a promise, you need to fulfil it for your members to still have trust in you,” he added.

Responding to questions about the possibility of industrial action should the government fail to deliver, the NAGRAT President said the union would first pursue further engagement with the authorities before considering any next steps.

“If there is a failure, we have to come to the table and have a discussion and see how. It depends on the level and the manner of failure that will occur... We cannot be conclusive, but teachers' issues are peculiar. They are different from all other workers. So, that is all we are demanding for,” he explained.

Mr. Anaba said NAGRAT would await the outcome of next week's meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission before deciding on its next course of action.