The Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has accused the government of tossing teachers’ concerns back and forth without ever resolving them.
President of the association, Adokwei Ayikwei Awulley, who made the accusation at a meeting between the teacher unions and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, on Monday, September 28, 2026, said some of the concerns they have raised are being treated like “football”.
He said the delay in implementing the Deprived Area Allowance was the most worrying issue, despite repeated promises from government officials.
“But it seems it has become more or less a football. We throw it here, and then we throw it here. And it is always a topic when the Minister or His Excellency the President mentions it. But at the end of the day we don’t see the way forward,” Mr Awulley said.
The unions have also raised the placement of promoted teachers on their correct ranks, and the payment of the arrears that come with those promotions.
Mr Awulley added that the teachers’ collective agreement expired in June, yet talks on a new one have still not been concluded.
Meanwhile, some allowances under the current agreement fell due for payment in September.
PRETAG, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) began a nationwide strike on September 25 over these issues.
They are demanding the release of promotion arrears, negotiations on a new collective agreement, and implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
Monday’s meeting with the Education Ministry was meant to resolve the outstanding issues and end the strike.
However, the unions have rejected calls to return to the classroom after the meeting and say the strike will continue until government takes concrete steps to meet their demands.
