Members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) held a press conference on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, to call out the government over alleged inaction on several commitments to improve their working conditions.

The Concerned Grassroots Members of CETAG, representing a faction dissatisfied with the government and CETAG leadership, warned of an impending strike if the promised improvements are not implemented promptly.

The conference highlighted CETAG's grievances regarding the government's failure to honour an arbitral award granted on May 2, 2023.

The award, resulting from a protracted negotiation with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and subsequently ruled on by the National Labour Commission (NLC), mandated improved conditions for CETAG members, including salary adjustments, completion of a staff audit, and aligning remuneration with public university standards.

Despite CETAG’s compliance with the government’s requirements to elevate educational standards—such as attaining advanced degrees and contributing to academic research—the association reports persistent pay disparities.

"The lowest-ranking lecturer in a public university currently earns more than a chief tutor in a college of education," CETAG representatives noted, calling this a “sign of injustice” against college educators.

Efforts to resolve these issues have reportedly involved 44 meetings with government officials, three major strikes, and multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), yet no substantive progress has been made. CETAG members expressed frustration with government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), alleging they have neglected to fulfil signed agreements, including one signed as recently as August 2024.

"We feel abandoned," the group stated, specifically accusing Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour-Awuah of failing to follow through on their commitments.

The group also criticized CETAG’s national leaders, claiming they have been "in bed with the government," compromising CETAG’s ability to advocate effectively for its members.

In response, CETAG’s Concerned Grassroots Members outlined their immediate demands and actions, warning that failure to act on the NLC’s award will prompt further strikes and potential international intervention.

They signalled intentions to take the case to the International Court of Arbitration and the International Labour Organization (ILO) if the issues remain unresolved.

“This government has had ample time, but if it does not deliver justice for CETAG, we will fight for our rights on every front, nationally and internationally,” the group stated.

The statement was signed by Mohanned Mustapha-Sulemana, National PRO for the group