Teacher Unions suspend strike after meeting with Education Minister

Accra, Ghana - In a significant development, the leadership of Teacher Unions at the pre-tertiary level in Ghana has agreed to suspend their planned demonstration, which was scheduled for today, October 1, in the Greater Accra Region.

This decision comes after a marathon meeting between the union leaders, Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Accra yesterday.

The meeting addressed the unions' concerns, including allowances for teachers in deprived areas. Dr. Adutwum presented documents showing preparations were underway for payment, following data validation and approval from the Ministry of Finance.

He also confirmed the government had fulfilled its promise to increase the Professional Development Allowance (PDA) by 100%, with payments made in September.

Representatives from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT-GH), and GES management attended the meeting.

The unions had previously highlighted unresolved issues from the Collective Agreement signed on May 24, 2024, including:

- *Deprived Area Allowance*: Negotiations to begin within one month of signing the agreement

- *Promotions*: Resolution of promotions from Deputy Director to Director II and Director I by September 2024

- *Tier-2 Pension Deductions*: 12 months of arrears

- *Public Services Commission Issues*: Delays in upgrading, reinstatement difficulties, and rank reductions

Following the meeting, union leaders urged members to refrain from participating in the planned demonstration, assuring them their grievances were being addressed.

Source : Lead News Online