Education Ministry commends teacher unions for suspending strike; schools resume today

The Ministry of Education has welcomed the decision by three major teacher unions to suspend their nationwide strike, paving the way for public basic schools across Ghana to resume normal academic activities on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The ministry described the decision as a positive development towards resolving outstanding concerns through dialogue and constructive engagement between the government and teacher unions.

The strike, which disrupted teaching and learning in public schools, was suspended on Friday, October 9, following negotiations involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and other relevant stakeholders.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) began the nationwide strike on September 25, 2026.

The unions embarked on the industrial action over the government's failure to address concerns relating to their conditions of service, including outstanding allowances and arrears.

The decision to suspend the strike followed discussions with the FWSC, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment and the Council of State.

The negotiations focused on outstanding payments and allowances, including promotion-related arrears and deprived-area allowances.

GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah urged members to return to the classroom on Monday, October 12, while engagements on unresolved grievances continue.

He indicated that discussions with the FWSC on promotion and deprived-area allowances, as well as outstanding arrears, had been concluded, prompting the union leadership to call off the industrial action temporarily.

The suspension is expected to allow teaching and learning to resume while the parties continue working towards resolving the remaining concerns.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, and signed by its Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the Ministry of Education expressed appreciation to the three unions for suspending the strike.

The ministry said the decision represented an important step towards addressing outstanding issues through dialogue, mutual understanding and constructive engagement in the interests of teachers and learners.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working with GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG, the FWSC and other relevant stakeholders to resolve outstanding matters and improve teachers' welfare.

According to the ministry, maintaining cooperation among the parties is essential to ensuring stability and continuity in the delivery of quality education across the country.

It also stressed the importance of sustaining the progress made through negotiations to prevent further disruptions to academic activities.

With the suspension of the strike, public basic schools across Ghana are expected to resume normal academic activities on Monday, October 12.

The return to the classroom is expected to restore teaching and learning following the disruption caused by the industrial action.

The ministry acknowledged the patience and resilience demonstrated by teachers, parents, learners and other stakeholders during the strike.

It thanked them for their cooperation and urged all parties to maintain the spirit of good faith and collaboration as discussions on outstanding concerns continue.

The resumption of classes is particularly important for learners whose academic schedules were affected by the industrial action.

The Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to strengthening industrial harmony and creating an environment in which teachers are valued, supported and empowered to contribute meaningfully to Ghana's education transformation agenda.

The ministry maintained that continued engagement with the unions and other stakeholders would be necessary to address concerns relating to teachers' conditions of service.

Although the suspension of the strike allows schools to reopen, discussions on outstanding grievances are expected to continue as the parties work towards lasting solutions.

The development marks a return to normal academic activities in public basic schools, with the ministry urging all stakeholders to sustain the cooperation achieved through negotiations in the interest of teachers and learners.