Fair Wages and Salaries Commission fails to reach agreement with teachers

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and three pre-tertiary teacher unions—GNAT, NAGRAT, and PRETAG—concluded a meeting on October 6, 2026, without reaching a definitive agreement to end an ongoing nationwide strike. Chief Executive of the FWSC, Dr. George Smith-Graham, indicated that further consultations with relevant stakeholders are necessary before negotiations can resume. The strike, which began in late September 2026, stems from unresolved grievances over salary arrears, promotion payments, and the renewal of collective bargaining agreements.

In the wake of the inconclusive talks, government officials have intensified appeals for teachers to return to the classroom. Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has expressed the government’s commitment to resolving all outstanding concerns by October 30, 2026, urging the unions to stabilize the academic calendar. Similarly, Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak emphasized that the government is not taking an antagonistic stance, acknowledging the legitimacy of the teachers' demands, including proposed allowances for teachers in rural areas.

Addressing rumors of punitive measures, the FWSC officially denied reports that it intended to deduct salaries from teachers participating in the industrial action. The commission clarified that Dr. Smith-Graham’s comments had been misrepresented and that the focus remains on constructive engagement rather than penalties. However, the political atmosphere remains tense; Kingsley Agyemang, a member of Parliament’s Education Committee, noted that many educators have lost confidence in the government’s ability to fulfill its promises, citing current financial difficulties as a strain on trust.

The strike's impact is being felt most acutely by final-year Senior High School (SHS) students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Reports indicate that students are spending school days without formal instruction, raising fears about falling behind academically. While some schools have attempted to use extracurricular activities to engage students, authorities admit these cannot substitute for lost instructional time. As the FWSC prepares to reconvene meetings, the pressure mounts on all parties to reach a settlement before the month-end deadline.