Govt approves revised scheme of service for teachers

Accra, Oct. 19, GNA - The Government has approved a revised scheme of service for teachers with effect from October, 1, 2006. A statement issued in Accra on Thursday by the Ghana Education Service (GES) after the second meeting of the Joint Standing Committee negotiating salaries and conditions of service of teachers as submitted by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) said two new grades had been introduced in the Scheme of Service - Deputy Director and Assistant Director 1.

The statement signed by Mr Samuel Bannerman-Mensah, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Committee, said payment would begin in December 2006 after a test run and auditing had been conducted based on the new levels agreed upon.

"The negotiating parties agreed that interviews for the new grade of Deputy Director should begin immediately. The revised scheme will therefore operate with effect from October 1, 2006."

The statement said the meeting concluded negotiations on the revised scheme of service which would form the basis for salary negotiations for 2007 which is ongoing.

The Ghana Educational Council on Monday set up the negotiation committee for teachers and called on members of the Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) to call off their strike and come for negotiations.

The committee comprises representatives of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Management of GEs. Two seats are reserved for NAGRAT to make their input under the Bargaining Certificate of GNAT.

Members of NAGRAT and some members of GNAT have embarked on strike to press demands for better working conditions.