The Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has given government a two-week ultimatum to implement the 20% deprived-area allowance for teachers or face a series of industrial actions.

The Association had earlier threatened industrial action at the end of July over the outstanding allowance but suspended the action following interventions by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

However, PRETAG says the delay in addressing its concerns cannot continue indefinitely.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Association’s National Executive Council meeting in Koforidua on Monday, August 10, 2026, National President King Ali Awudu said government must act by the end of August to avert industrial action.

“We first gave the deadline of the end of July. The Ghana Education Service and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission intervened, and we decided to suspend the July ultimatum,” he explained.

He said the Association was now giving government a further two weeks to resolve the matter.

The 20% deprived-area allowance is intended to provide an incentive for teachers working in underserved communities and help address challenges associated with staffing schools in deprived areas.

Beyond the allowance, PRETAG is also demanding the implementation of the promotion of qualified teachers from Deputy Director to Director II and subsequently to Director I.

Mr Awudu urged President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the promotion structure is implemented, describing it as a commitment made during the 2024 election campaign.

PRETAG says failure to address the outstanding concerns within the latest deadline could trigger a series of industrial actions by its members.

The Association’s latest ultimatum comes amid broader concerns over teacher motivation, retention and the need to attract qualified educators to underserved communities.

The Association is expected to monitor government’s response in the coming weeks before deciding on its next course of action.