The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) is preparing to embark on a fresh strike next week, following nearly two months of industrial action that recently concluded. This decision comes in response to the government’s continued failure to fulfill previous agreements related to allowances owed to the association’s members.
Dominic Owusu, a spokesperson for CETAG, expressed deep frustration over the current situation, noting that despite earlier assurances from the government, the promised allowances remain unpaid. He highlighted that the upcoming strike is intended to compel the government to engage in meaningful dialogue and to achieve a satisfactory resolution to the demands of CETAG members.
“The timeline that we agreed upon when the strike was called off has still not been met. They promised us that by the first week of September, we would receive the offline data pertaining to our placements in the colleges. Each member in the colleges of education was to have access to check our migration status and verify our biodata. However, as I speak, we are still in the dark regarding why this offline migration data has been withheld,” Mr. Owusu stated.
The frustrations within CETAG are compounded by unmet promises from the government regarding financial compensation. In particular, the association was assured that once the strike was suspended, all-year-round compensation for work done in 2022 would be disbursed by the end of August. Yet, CETAG members have yet to receive any payments. “They keep assuring us that the funds will be credited to their GIFMIS accounts, but the results have been disappointing. As it stands, we have not received our money,” Mr. Owusu lamented.
CETAG’s leadership has reiterated the importance of the government’s adherence to agreements made during previous negotiations. The ongoing delay in payments and lack of transparency surrounding the migration data has only intensified the call for action among members. Mr. Owusu made it clear that the patience of CETAG members is wearing thin, stating, “If by the end of this week, we do not see any progress or communication from the government, we will have no choice but to initiate a full-blown strike.”
This impending strike action highlights the broader issues facing educators in the country and the challenges they face in securing their rightful entitlements. The grievances voiced by CETAG are reflective of ongoing tensions between educational institutions and the government, where promises made are often not fulfilled in a timely manner.
As the situation develops, CETAG is calling upon the government to prioritize the resolution of these issues to avoid further disruption to the education sector. The association has emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to address the concerns of teachers, particularly in the wake of the disruptions caused by the previous strike.
The education system in Ghana has been under scrutiny in recent years, with educators advocating for improved working conditions, fair compensation, and adequate resources to support teaching and learning. CETAG’s actions are part of a larger narrative regarding the rights and welfare of teachers in Ghana, as they strive to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
The implications of the proposed strike are significant, not only for CETAG members but also for the broader education community. Should the strike proceed, it would likely impact the functioning of colleges of education across the country, affecting the training and preparation of future educators. This could have a ripple effect on the quality of education in Ghana, particularly as the nation grapples with challenges in the sector.
As stakeholders await the government’s response to CETAG’s demands, the focus will remain on the need for accountability and timely action in addressing the concerns raised. The association’s leadership has made it clear that they are committed to advocating for the rights of their members and will not hesitate to take action if their demands continue to be overlooked.
In conclusion, the impending strike by CETAG is a crucial development in the ongoing dialogue about the state of education in Ghana. With the government facing pressure to fulfill its commitments to educators, the outcome of this situation will be closely watched by all parties involved. The commitment to ensuring that teachers receive the compensation and support they deserve will be a key factor in shaping the future of the education system in the country.
