GNAT, NAGRAT, and PRETAG Launch Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Arrears and Service Conditions

Three of Ghana’s major pre-tertiary teacher unions—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG)—have declared an immediate nationwide strike as of Friday, September 25, 2026. The industrial action stems from the government’s failure to meet a September 24 deadline for paying promotion arrears to approximately 80,000 teachers. Union leaders, including PRETAG President King Ali Awudu, announced the decision following a press briefing where they emphasized that previous negotiations had yielded no results, leaving them no choice but to withdraw their services until their demands are met.

The core grievances behind the strike involve stalled negotiations for a new Collective Agreement, which have been delayed since June, and the non-payment of the 20% Deprived Area Allowance established in a 2024 agreement. Teachers have also rejected a proposed 10% increase in the digital allowance, citing it as insufficient. The Minority in Parliament has voiced strong support for the teachers, urging President John Mahama’s government to address these concerns immediately to prevent further decline in education quality. The Minority specifically linked the ongoing labor unrest and poor teacher morale to the disappointing performance of students in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

In an effort to mitigate the strike's impact, the Ministry of Education has scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday, September 28, 2026. Ministry spokesperson Hasmin Mohammed appealed to the unions to return to the classroom, highlighting the importance of maintaining the current academic calendar, which has only recently returned to a traditional September start for the first time in years. The upcoming meeting is expected to include representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and other stakeholders to find a resolution to the promotion placement and arrears issues that have plagued the sector.

Adding to the sector's tensions, GNAT regional executives in the Northern Region have expressed disappointment at the Ghana Education Service (GES) for its silence regarding the death of Abu Seidu, a teacher in Gindabour who died after an encounter with police. The union has demanded a formal statement of condolence and a condemnation of any unlawful conduct. As the nationwide strike begins, the focus shifts to the Monday negotiations; however, the unions have indicated that they will remain on strike until concrete steps are taken to settle the outstanding financial commitments and improve general conditions of service.