The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has declared an indefinite strike, citing the government’s continued failure to fully implement the National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitral award issued on May 2.

In a statement signed by National President Maxwell Bunu and National Secretary Fidelis Kamaayi, CETAG announced that the National Executive Committee resolved at an emergency meeting on 19 November 2025 to “withdraw ALL SERVICES effective Monday, November 24”.

The association said the industrial action has become necessary because of what it described as the government’s “persistent indifference, disregard for binding agreements and failure to honour obligations under the NLC arbitral award of May 2, 2023”.

CETAG explained that its grievances stem from several unresolved obligations. The association said the government has failed to pay the All-Year-Round Work Compensation for additional duties performed in 2022 for 39 Colleges of Education, noting that only the Accra College of Education has received a partial payment.

It added that Book and Research Allowance arrears for both the 2023/2024 and 2022/2023 academic years remain outstanding, as well as Book and Research Top-up arrears for the 2021/2022 academic year owed to staff of Akrokerri College of Education.

CETAG further mentioned the downgrading of some experienced teaching staff who hold master’s degrees, describing it as a violation of professional dignity, agreed conditions of service and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

The Association noted that it had earlier warned in an October 27 press release that it would activate industrial action if the government failed to act. “Regrettably, this warning has not been heeded, compelling CETAG to proceed with the strike.”

CETAG said it has exhausted all avenues for dialogue and stressed that it will not return to work until the issues are fully addressed.

“Members will not return to the lecture halls, supervise students on STS until all the listed grievances are fully resolved,” adding that “While CETAG remains committed to quality teacher education, it will not allow its members to be exploited, disrespected, or further impoverished.”

The association also insisted that the NLC arbitral award is legally binding, stating that the government’s non-compliance amounts to “a breach of labour law and collective bargaining principles.”

CETAG urged the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the Government of Ghana “to act with the required urgency and good faith to resolve these matters.”