Government to hold talks with striking CETAG members today

The Ministry of Labour and Employment Relations (MLER), through the Fair Wages Commission, has called a meeting with the leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) and other key stakeholders on Monday, August 19. The purpose of the meeting is to address the concerns raised by CETAG members, who have been on a nationwide strike for the past two months, leading to a suspension of academic activities across all 46 Colleges of Education in Ghana.

In addition to CETAG leadership, the meeting will include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Director of Tertiary Education (Ministry of Education), the Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), the Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the Head of the Public Financial Management Unit (CPMU).

**Background**

The strike action, which began on June 14, stems from the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s Arbitral Award and the negotiated service conditions for CETAG members. Among their demands are the payment of one month’s salary for additional duties performed in 2022 and the application of agreed rates of allowances, similar to those paid to public university staff, to deserving CETAG members.

The strike has disrupted academic activities in all Colleges of Education, significantly affecting teaching and learning. In response, the leadership of the College of Education Students Association has suggested that the colleges be temporarily closed so that students can return home while the issues are being resolved.

However, the government has strongly opposed this suggestion, stating that a breakthrough has been achieved in negotiations with CETAG, and that members will soon return to campus to resume teaching.

Prof. Samuel Atintono, President of PRINCOF, has assured the public that once CETAG members are back on campus, efforts will be made to adjust the academic calendar and restore normal academic activities.

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