Teacher unions make decision as high-stakes talks end without a deal

Pre-tertiary teacher unions across Ghana have resolved to maintain their nationwide strike following an inconclusive meeting with government representatives.

The decision comes after high-stakes negotiations between union leaders, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and the Ghana Education Service (GES) failed to produce a binding agreement.

The meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, was intended to resolve lingering disputes surrounding working conditions, promotion arrears, and allowance structures.

Despite government officials presenting fresh proposals to break the deadlock, union representatives stated that the offered terms lacked clear implementation timelines.

Teacher leadership emphasized that members will not return to classrooms until concrete measures are enacted to address outstanding payroll issues and salary adjustments.

The ongoing industrial action has grounded public basic and senior high schools nationwide, leaving thousands of students unattended during vital academic periods.

Government appeals urging teachers to resume duties while negotiations continue were firmly rejected by union executives during the session.

Key demands raised by the unions include proper salary placement for newly promoted staff, immediate settlement of promotion arrears, and a 20 percent allowance for teachers in deprived areas.

The FWSC and Ministry of Education indicated that consultation will continue internally to refine proposals before bringing parties back to the negotiating table.

Union leadership reiterated that the nationwide strike action remains fully enforced until all core grievances receive satisfactory resolution.