The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has warned the government that it will resume its strike if its demands are not fully met. The caution comes after CETAG decided to suspend an over-eight-week strike following assurances from government officials. Dr. Dominic Owusu, the spokesperson for CETAG, expressed hope that the government would honor its commitments, but he stressed that the union is prepared to take further action if necessary.
For years, CETAG has voiced concerns about the government’s neglect of its responsibilities, especially after previous strikes were called off. Dr. Owusu emphasized that CETAG is determined to ensure that the government adheres to all the agreements made during recent negotiations. “We want to caution that we shall monitor every process of the migration and ensure that all the seven points that we have given if they are not adhered to, we shall return on strike,” he stated.
This announcement follows CETAG’s official decision to call off its strike, effective August 20, 2024. The decision was made after a meeting with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on August 15, 2024, at the Jubilee House, where the government assured the union of its commitment to resolving the ongoing issues.
In a statement released by CETAG, the union’s National Council members voted unanimously to end the strike. The statement highlighted the government’s assurances and a detailed roadmap with clear timelines for addressing CETAG’s outstanding concerns. These assurances were confirmed during a meeting between the government team and CETAG representatives at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR) on August 19, 2024.
Dr. Owusu emphasized that CETAG’s decision to call off the strike was made out of respect for Vice President Bawumia, who played a key role in mediating the dispute. “The strike has been called off, and we are giving maximum and due respect to the second man of the land, our Vice President. He came in as a mediator to mediate and assure us that he is stepping in to help us resolve the issue,” Dr. Owusu said.
CETAG also acknowledged the efforts of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and other government agencies involved in the negotiations. Dr. Owusu expressed appreciation for their commitment and assured that CETAG would closely monitor the implementation of the agreed-upon roadmap.
The strike caused significant disruptions in the education sector, with many teachers forced to seek additional sources of income during the extended period of industrial action. Dr. Owusu noted that despite these challenges, CETAG members are eager to return to their duties. He assured that teachers would be back in the classrooms by Monday, August 26, to resume lecturing and continue their commitment to education.
Dr. Owusu also highlighted the importance of the union’s demands, stating that they are crucial for the future of education in Ghana. The seven key points raised by CETAG include issues related to salaries, working conditions, and other benefits that the union believes are essential for maintaining a high standard of education in the country.
The decision to call off the strike was not taken lightly, as CETAG members had endured over two months of financial strain and uncertainty. Many teachers had traveled across the country in search of additional work to support themselves during the strike. However, with the government’s recent commitments, CETAG believes it is time to return to the classroom and focus on the education of Ghana’s future leaders.
Dr. Owusu expressed hope that the government would keep its promises, but he also made it clear that CETAG would not hesitate to resume the strike if the government fails to deliver. “We will regroup and assemble ourselves and go back to our colleges, and we’re hoping that come Monday, we will start serious lecturing,” he said.
