The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a stern 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 strongly worded 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, which sought to resolve longstanding compensation grievances among tutors in Colleges of Education.
According to CETAG, despite several engagements and assurances, the government has yet to pay the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears as agreed with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on April 30, 2025.
The association noted that these arrears were supposed to be paid together with the 2024/2025 allowance but have been “inexplicably delayed.”
CETAG 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, despite numerous assurances as disturbing.
Unresolved Labour Issues
Beyond the outstanding allowances, the association highlighted several unresolved matters still pending before the NLC. These include:
- All-Year-Round Work compensation for 39 Colleges of Education for additional duties performed in 2022.
- The downgrading of experienced staff, which CETAG says undermines professionalism and morale.
- The non-payment of the 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance arrears, which are contingent upon CETAG’s migration onto the university salary structure.
CETAG insists these delays represent a breach of trust and a disregard for labour laws, emphasising that the NLC’s arbitral award is legally binding and not subject to government discretion.
Strike Threat
The association has therefore issued a final warning to the government: if all outstanding components of the arbitral award are not fully implemented by October 31, 2025, it will “advise itself.”
More explicitly, CETAG announced that if the government fails to meet its obligations by November 7, 2025, that date will be considered an official strike notice, leading to 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.
Appeal to the Government
CETAG urged the government to act swiftly to avert disruptions to the 2025/2026 academic calendar, warning that continued inaction could destabilise teaching and learning at the nation’s 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 Mr. Maxwell Bunu, National President of CETAG, and Mr. Fidelis Kamaayi, National Secretary.
