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The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a firm ultimatum to the government, demanding the full implementation of the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) arbitral award by the end of October 2025 or face a nationwide strike across all 46 Colleges of Education.
In a statement dated October 27, 2025, CETAG expressed deep frustration over what it described as the government’s persistent failure to honour the binding arbitral award issued by the NLC on May 2, 2023. The award sought to resolve long-standing compensation grievances among tutors in the Colleges of Education.
According to the association, despite several engagements and government assurances, the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears have still not been paid as agreed with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on April 30, 2025. CETAG noted that the arrears were to be paid together with the 2024/2025 allowance but have been “inexplicably delayed.”
The association also described the government’s failure to pay the top-up of the 2022 Book and Research Allowance for staff of Akrokerri College of Education as disappointing, despite repeated assurances.
Beyond the unpaid allowances, CETAG highlighted additional unresolved matters still pending before the NLC. These include compensation for All-Year-Round Work performed by staff of 39 Colleges of Education in 2022, the downgrading of experienced tutors which the association says affects morale, and the non-payment of the 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance arrears, contingent upon CETAG’s migration onto the university salary structure.
CETAG insists that these delays constitute a breach of trust and a disregard for labour laws, stressing that the NLC’s arbitral award is legally binding and must be implemented without further delay.
The association has therefore issued a final warning to the government, stating that if all outstanding components of the arbitral award are not implemented by October 31, 2025, it will “advise itself.” CETAG further announced that failure to meet these obligations by November 7, 2025, will serve as an official strike notice, triggering a nationwide industrial action across all Colleges of Education.
“This industrial action will remain in force until the last pesewa owed to CETAG is paid,” the statement declared.
CETAG urged the government to act swiftly to prevent disruptions to the 2025/2026 academic calendar, warning that prolonged inaction could destabilise teaching and learning in the Colleges of Education.
“We urge the government to act decisively and prioritise the welfare of teacher educators and the broader academic community,” the statement concluded.
The statement was jointly signed by CETAG National President, Mr. Maxwell Bunu, and National Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Kamaayi.
