The government is stepping up efforts to prevent a nationwide strike by teacher unions over delays in placing newly promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales.
The Ministry of Education has invited the leadership of the coalition of teacher unions to an emergency meeting on Monday, August 31, 2026, as the deadline set by the unions for resolving the matter approaches.
The meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m., follows an ultimatum issued by the unions, who have warned of industrial action if the government fails to address the delays.
The dispute centres on the implementation of promotions for newly promoted teachers. The unions are unhappy with a directive from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department requiring additional lists and documentation before the promotions can be effected.
According to the unions, the requirement conflicts with an earlier commitment by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to implement the automatic promotion system by August.
Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, said Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu had asked him to engage the unions and seek a resolution before the situation escalates.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 28, Dr Apaak confirmed that the union leadership had been invited to the ministry for discussions.
“Since they made this known and indicated what would happen if no action is taken, the Honourable Minister for Education has directed me to contact the leadership of the teacher unions, who have been sent to come to the ministry on Monday at 11 a.m. for a meeting,” he said.
He said the government was concerned about the potential impact of the dispute on schools and was determined to resolve the matter without disrupting academic activities.
“The minister wants to engage them so that we can find a way of getting the institution whose pronouncement has put the teachers on edge to see what can be done so that we can continue to enjoy harmony in the educational sector,” he said.
Dr Apaak appealed to the unions to remain calm and participate in the discussions, warning that industrial action could have far-reaching consequences for pre-tertiary education.
“Because if they go on strike, and we are talking about pre-tertiary education from kindergarten to secondary school, the consequences will be dire for all of us as a nation,” he said.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and constructive relationship with the teacher unions and expressed hope that Monday’s engagement would help resolve the outstanding issues.
He said the ministry remained committed to a “cordial, respectful, open, transparent, and peaceful working relationship” with the unions.
