The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has directed its members to return to the classroom on Monday, October 12, following the suspension of a nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions over outstanding allowances, promotion arrears and conditions of service.
The decision, announced on Friday, October 9, follows engagements between the unions, the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), which resulted in assurances that outstanding payments and other concerns would be addressed.
GNAT, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) began the industrial action on September 25 after expressing dissatisfaction with delays in placing promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales, unpaid promotion allowances and the non-implementation of the deprived-area allowance.
GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah said the unions had suspended the strike following assurances given during negotiations but stressed that discussions on unresolved demands would continue.
Under the commitments reached, promotion-related arrears owed to more than 51,000 teachers are expected to be paid by October 16, with outstanding payments scheduled to be completed by the end of October.
The government has also agreed to increase the Cost of Professional Allowance to GH¢3,100, tax-free, with payment expected in December 2026. The Complimentary Digital Support Allowance has been increased to GH¢1,100, tax-free, with payment expected by the end of November.
Meanwhile, the government is expected to announce the implementation arrangements for the deprived-area allowance in January 2027, with initial payments intended for teachers serving in island communities and hinterland areas.
Despite the suspension, GNAT has maintained that the agreement does not mean all outstanding issues have been resolved. The unions say they will continue engaging the government until their remaining concerns are addressed.
The return to the classroom is expected to restore teaching and learning in public pre-tertiary schools after nearly two weeks of industrial action.