NUGS calls for urgent resolution of striking pre-tertiary teachers’ concerns

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has called on the government and pre-tertiary teacher unions to urgently resolve the issues that have led to the ongoing nationwide strike.

The union said the continued industrial action was affecting teaching and learning and could have a direct impact on students if it persists.

NUGS said while teachers had legitimate concerns over their pay, conditions of service and allowances, the welfare and educational progress of students must remain central to efforts to resolve the impasse.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, NUGS President Rashid Ibrahim urged all parties to return to meaningful negotiations and reach a sustainable agreement.

“We believe that teachers deserve fair and dignified conditions of service, while students deserve uninterrupted access to quality education," the statement read in part.

“NUGS therefore appeals to the Government and the teacher unions to reach an agreement as soon as possible to enable our teachers to return to the classroom and resume the important task of educating and shaping the next generation of Ghana," it added.

The strike was declared on September 25 by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).

The unions have cited delays in negotiating a new collective agreement, the failure to place promoted teachers on the appropriate salary scales and the non-implementation of a 20% Deprived Area Allowance among their concerns.

The unions have maintained that they will not return to the classroom until there is concrete and verifiable evidence that the outstanding issues are being addressed.

The government, meanwhile, has appealed to the unions to suspend the strike while negotiations continue.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has said the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is expected to continue discussions with the unions on their collective agreement and conditions of service.