CETAG denies receiving GH¢199 million in arrears, vows to continue strike action

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has denied claims that the government has paid them GH¢199 million as arrears for the 2022/2023 academic year.

Addressing a press conference at Wesley College of Education in Kumasi, CETAG President Prince Obeng-Himah stated that not a single pesewa has been paid to their members.

CETAG is currently on a legal strike over the non-implementation of the outstanding arbitration award by the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The association has vowed to continue the strike until the government complies with the award.

Mr. Obeng-Himah revealed that despite numerous letters and meetings, the government has failed to implement the arbitration award, which was issued on May 2, 2023.

He accused the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Ministry of Education of attempting to undermine the authority of the NLC and twisting information to misinform the public.

CETAG has warned that any attempt to illegally freeze the salaries of their members, who are on a legal strike, will be met with legal action.

The association has therefore called on the government to respect the rule of law and implement the arbitration award in full.

The strike action has left students in colleges of education uncertain about their academic future.

CETAG has assured students that they will not return to the lecture halls until their legitimate concerns are addressed.

Responding to the National Labour Commission's interlocutory injunction motion filed against CETAG, which is pending in court, CETAG described the motion as an attempt to suppress their legitimate strike action.

As the strike action continues, students, parents, and stakeholders are calling on the government to resolve the impasse and ensure that academic activities resume in colleges of education.