Ghana teacher unions suspend strike following government negotiations

Three major teacher unions in Ghana—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG)—have suspended their industrial action. Following meetings with the Council of State and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), members have been directed to return to classrooms on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The suspension follows government commitments to address grievances regarding promotions, conditions of service, and various allowances. Specifically, the government has pledged to pay promotion-related arrears to approximately 51,000 teachers by October 16, 2026. Other scheduled payments include the digital support allowance in November and the continuous professional development allowance in December 2026. Implementation of the deprived-area allowance is expected to begin in January 2027.

Despite the suspension, union leaders emphasize that negotiations are not concluded. GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah stated that the unions will continue to engage the government until all outstanding issues are fully resolved. Additionally, the University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has threatened a separate strike starting October 19, 2026, if the government fails to pay the 2026 Book and Research Allowance by October 16.