CETAG Declares Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Labour Issues
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has declared an indefinite strike beginning Monday, November 24, 2025. The Association says the industrial action has become necessary due to the government’s persistent failure to fully implement the National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitral award issued on May 2, 2023.
This nationwide strike affects all 46 Colleges of Education, bringing academic activities across the country to a halt.
Decision Backed by National Leadership
CETAG’s National Executive Committee (NEC), after consulting the National Council, reached the decision during an emergency meeting held on November 19, 2025. The leadership noted that the government’s continuous inaction has left the Association with no option but to withdraw all services, including lecturing, supervision, and administrative responsibilities.
Key Grievances Behind the Strike
The Association highlighted several unresolved concerns which it believes have been ignored for far too long. These include:
- Non-payment of all-year-round work compensation for additional duties performed in 2022 by staff of 39 Colleges of Education. Only the Accra College of Education has received partial payment.
- Outstanding Book and Research Allowance arrears for the 2023/2024 and 2022/2023 academic years.
- Unpaid Book and Research Top-Up arrears for the 2021/2022 academic year, especially those owed to staff of the Akrokerri College of Education.
- Downgrading of experienced teaching staff who hold master’s degrees, a move CETAG considers an affront to the professional dignity of lecturers and a violation of both existing conditions of service and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
According to CETAG, these issues collectively reflect a lack of commitment from the government toward implementing legally binding agreements.
Leadership Insists Strike Is Justified
In a statement jointly signed by CETAG National President, Maxwell Bunu, and National Secretary, Fidelis Kamaayi, the Association stressed that the strike is a legitimate reaction to the government’s breach of trust. They argued that the failure to honour the NLC’s arbitral award and other agreed-upon obligations leaves members with no option but to withdraw their services.
The leaders made it clear that lecturers will not return to classrooms or supervise any academic activities until all outstanding matters are fully resolved.
Commitment to Teacher Education, Call for Swift Action
While emphasising their dedication to delivering quality teacher education, CETAG warned that members will not continue to work under conditions they describe as exploitative and disrespectful. The group is urging the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, and the Government of Ghana to act swiftly and in good faith to address the unresolved issues.
The strike is expected to have significant implications on teaching and learning across the Colleges of Education if the impasse is not resolved promptly.
