The President of the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), Adokwei Ayikwei Awulley, has accused the government of treating some of the concerns raised by teachers as “football” that is repeatedly passed around without clear resolution.

He made the remarks at a meeting between teacher unions and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Monday, September 28, 2026.

GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG declare nationwide strike

Awulley said the continued uncertainty over the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance was particularly worrying, despite repeated assurances from government officials.

“But it seems it has become more or less a football. We throw it here, and then we throw it here. And it is always a topic when the Minister or His Excellency the President mentions it. But at the end of the day, we don’t see the way forward,” he said.

He noted that the unions had also raised concerns over the placement of teachers who have been promoted to their appropriate ranks, as well as the payment of the corresponding arrears.

Awulley further pointed to the expiration of the teachers’ collective agreement in June, saying negotiations on a new agreement remain unresolved even as some allowances under the existing arrangement were due for payment in September.

These issues prompted PRETAG, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) to declare a nationwide strike from September 25 2026.

The unions have been demanding action on promotion arrears, negotiations for a new collective agreement and the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.

The September 28 meeting was aimed at finding a resolution to the outstanding issues.

However, the striking teacher unions have rejected calls to return to the classroom after the meeting, insisting they will maintain their industrial action until the government takes concrete steps to address their demands.

NA/AM