Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister of Education has accused the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) of stabbing the government in the back with its sudden strike action, saying the association acted in “bad faith”. Whilst they work with the government to resolve the anomalies associated with teachers’ migration onto the single spine salary structure (SSSS), NAGRAT, Tuesday declared an indefinite nationwide strike. According to the National Vice President of NAGRAT, Mr. Angel Carbonu, the decision was reached after an emergency meeting on Tuesday. The teachers said they will only call off the strike if they see concrete steps towards resolving the salary anomalies that triggered massive protests by teachers across the country. But the Deputy Minister speaking on Peace FM Wednesday, said there were inconsistencies in the behaviour of members of NAGRAT. Mr Ayariga said NAGRAT had sent a letter to the government threatening to embark on a strike by Friday, March 11 if their grievances were not addressed and wondered why members of the association should, immediately after submitting the letter, proceed on a strike in clear violation of their own commitment. “This particular decision…is most unfortunate, it is most unfair, it is in bad faith and indeed I think that they should reconsider that decision.” He has therefore questioned the “motive behind” the strike action and the “rush” in taking the decision without giving any reason to the government for the new development. The Deputy Minister implored all associations to act in good faith whenever they are dealing with the government as the government sticks to its timetable and its commitments. “Workers movements must also be credible so that government would know that when we are dealing with these people we can take their word for it [and] they, too, when we give them our word we should expect them to take that as a serious commitment.” Mr Ayariga said government recognizes the important role teachers play in nation development and was therefore “very, very surprised” that such decision would be taken at a time the government was “very close” to resolving the issue. He assured that, in spite of the strike action, government will continue to work with other stakeholders towards resolving the anomalies. But Mr Christian Addai-Poku, president of NAGRAT, said the action was taken because their meetings with the government showed that “we still have a long way to go”. He stressed that the action will awaken government to the seriousness the teachers attach to their demands. The association is asking for a 20% retention premium across board, 15% professional allowance and a road map about the harmonization from the Fair wages Commission. Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has asked its members to go to the classrooms and teach as its leadership negotiates with government. Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana