Strike suspended, but negotiations for teachers’ benefits not over – GNAT

The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has assured that negotiations with the government over teachers’ outstanding demands will continue despite the suspension of the strike by three teacher unions.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, October 9, 2026, Mr Musah emphasised that the suspension did not mean all the issues had been resolved.

“The issues have not been completed. Negotiations have not ended or concluded. And so, we’ll continue to negotiate until all the issues are addressed,” he said.

GNAT, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG) suspended their industrial action following engagements with the Council of State and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

The unions began the strike on September 25, 2026, to press for the resolution of concerns relating to promotions, conditions of service and allowances.

Mr Musah reiterated that the unions would continue discussions with the government until their outstanding demands were fully addressed.

Under the commitments reached, promotion-related arrears are expected to be paid to 51,000 teachers by October 16, 2026, with the remaining payments scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

The digital support allowance is expected to be paid in November, while the continuous professional development allowance is scheduled for December 2026.

Implementation of the deprived-area allowance is expected to begin in January 2027, with the modalities for its payment to be determined by November or December 2026.

The unions have also called for copies of the agreements to be deposited with the Council of State to promote accountability and ensure the government fulfils its commitments.

Teachers are expected to return to the classroom on Monday, October 12, following the suspension of the strike.