The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has suspended its three-week-old industrial action.

The decision to end the strike followed a virtual meeting held last Friday, January 24, 2025, by the association.

CETAG said in a statement signed by its President, Maxwell Bunu, that the decision to suspend the action was arrived at following goodwill demonstrated by the employer in migrating staff in the colleges of education onto the university salary structure, in partial fulfilment of the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitration Awards given to the association.

Minister

It said it was a result of the fact that "there is a newly sworn-in Minister of Education who has expressed interest in engaging CETAG to swiftly resolve the outstanding issues".

Again, it said it was because members were not happy with the adverse effects the strike was having on the college students and the entire college community. 

"We, however, wish to reiterate that there are outstanding issues emanating from the arbitration awards and the migration process that require the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to jointly see to their immediate resolution to ensure lasting industrial peace within the colleges of education," it emphasised

The issues, it said, included the payment of all-year-round work compensation (AYRWC) for additional work done in the year 2022 to the 42 remaining colleges and payment of arrears of 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance contingent on the implementation of the association's Arbitral Award granted by the NLC on May 2, 2023.

Payment

Also, it involves paying 2022/2023 BRA Top-Up arrears to deserving staff of Akrokerri College of Education and non-migration and improper placement of a cross-section of its membership.

"Leadership wishes to appreciate our members' unflinching support and display of gallantry and loyalty during these challenging times and urge them to resume work with immediate effect.

"In doing so, leadership promises to go to all lengths to ensure that CETAG will get the best out of the ongoing engagements and make sure that every single member is fully satisfied," it said.

CETAG also appreciated the commitment and hard work of the National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), FWSC, GTEC, CAGD, and the media, especially during the final stage of the migration process.

Extension

In the last two weeks, PRINCOF has adjusted the reopening date of the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.

It said while it had initially planned for an earlier date, the reopening date for the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year had been revised to January 27, 2025.

Checks by the Daily Graphic revealed that the initial reopening date was January 13, 2025.

A circular signed by the General Secretary of PRINCOF, Dr Samuel Addae-Boateng, said the adjustment in the reopening date was necessary due to unforeseen circumstances that required members' immediate attention. 

Recipients

The circular was addressed to all staff, students, and stakeholders of the colleges of education and copied to the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), principals, Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) Colleges of Education Non-Teaching Staff Association of Ghana and affiliate universities, among other personalities.

“We are actively working to resolve these matters as quickly as possible. We understand that this change may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise for any disruption it may cause.”

“Please be assured that we are committed to ensuring a smooth start of the academic year and are working diligently with the relevant authorities to address these issues effectively. We appreciate your continued cooperation,” the circular said.

The decision by the heads of colleges followed a recent general meeting.