The leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has warned it will resist any illegal attempts to freeze its members’ salaries.
CETAG has vowed to intensify its indefinite strike until the government implements the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions.
The teacher union insists its strike is legal and has accused the National Labour Commission (NLC) of spreading false information about its actions. The association also denied claims that its members had received arrears for the Book and Research Allowance for the 2022/2023 academic year.
Academic activities at Colleges of Education nationwide have been halted since CETAG began its strike in June, protesting the government’s delay in implementing the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions.
Speaking at a news conference in Kumasi on Monday (22 July) CETAG president Prince Obeng-Himang stated that members will remain on strike until all outstanding concerns are addressed.
He cautioned that any attempt to illegally freeze salaries would lead to legal action, as the strike is a legitimate response to the government’s delay in implementing the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions.
The Association also refuted allegations that its members are conducting quizzes and tests for students during the strike. CETAG clarified that students cannot take examinations if they miss more than 21 days of classes, according to the attendance policy of affiliate universities.
CETAG advised students, principals, and affiliate universities to respect this policy and warned of legal action against any violations. The Association used the press conference to counter misinformation and reaffirm its commitment to the ongoing strike until the government meets its demands.
“We are by this press statement informing the public that CETAG’s strike action is legitimate since the Union followed all laid-down processes before declaring the action. The union wishes to notify the Employer that until it complies with all the outstanding arbitration awards by NLC, the union shall never call off its ongoing strike action.”
“Lastly, we want to caution that any attempt to illegally freeze salaries of our members who are on a legal strike shall be met with legal action against whoever takes such an action. CETAG will no longer tolerate injustice against its members because Ghana is a country governed by the rule of law.”