Three major pre-tertiary teacher unions in Ghana have suspended their nationwide industrial action and directed members to return to the classroom on Monday, October 12, following engagements with the government over outstanding salary arrears, allowances and conditions of service.

The decision was announced on Friday after meetings involving the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG), the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Council of State.

The suspension follows assurances from the government regarding the settlement of outstanding obligations to teachers and the continuation of negotiations on unresolved concerns.

GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah urged members to resume their normal duties while discussions on the remaining issues continue.

The unions’ action is expected to enable teaching and learning to resume following disruptions caused by the strike, which began on September 25, 2026.

Promotion Arrears and Allowances

The industrial action was triggered by concerns over delays in placing promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales, unpaid promotion-related allowances and arrears, and demands relating to the implementation of a deprived-area allowance.

According to the FWSC, the government has committed to paying promotion-related arrears owed to approximately 51,000 teachers whose records have been validated by October 16. Payments for other affected teachers are expected to be completed by the end of October.

The commitments form part of efforts to address the unions’ grievances and restore normal academic activities in public pre-tertiary schools.

Allowance Negotiations to Continue

The unions have also secured commitments concerning allowances under negotiations on teachers’ conditions of service.

The government has indicated that payment of the complementary digital support allowance is expected in November 2026, while the continuous professional development allowance is expected to be paid in December.

Discussions have also addressed the proposed deprived-area allowance, with further arrangements expected concerning its implementation and coverage.

However, the unions have stressed that the suspension of the strike does not mean all their demands have been fully resolved.

Mr Musah has indicated that negotiations with the government will continue until the outstanding issues are addressed.

Government Welcomes Return to Classrooms

The government has welcomed the suspension of the industrial action, expressing hope that the decision will allow the education calendar to proceed without further disruption.

The return of teachers is expected to provide relief to pupils, parents and school administrators affected by the interruption of academic activities.

The dispute has also renewed attention on the need for timely implementation of salary adjustments, payment of allowances and effective communication between teacher unions and the authorities.

Attention Turns to Implementation

With teachers expected to return to work on Monday, attention will now shift to whether the government fulfils its commitments within the agreed timelines.

The unions have maintained that outstanding matters will remain under negotiation despite the suspension of the strike.

The coming weeks are therefore expected to be critical in determining whether the commitments on promotion arrears, allowances and other conditions of service translate into actual payments and lasting progress in resolving the dispute.

For now, the suspension brings an immediate step toward restoring normal teaching and learning, while negotiations continue on the issues that prompted the industrial action.