The Coalition of Concern Teachers (CCT) Ghana is calling on government to address issues of salary arrears owed to over 42,000 of its members are cleared by October 31, or face an industrial action.

The in a communiqué Tuesday, the group notified government that even if one member of its group is not paid by the end of the deadline given they would adhere to their warning to strike.

The CCT Ghana issued this warning after its 26th National Executive Council Meeting held in Tamale the Northern regional capital.

Other issues raised in the communiqué included CCT Ghana members given the option to either join the Ghana Education Service (GSE) and State Insurance Cooperation Life Group Policy instead of being compelled by all.

The teachers are ready to support the double track system but want government to ensure that none of them is shortchanged or overburdened without the necessary remuneration.

The CCT Ghana also raised concerns about the delay in the results of the application for study leave with pay earlier before admissions are made by the various universities. 

The group also cautioned against the rush in the implementation of the teacher licenses. It said they are not against the licensing of teachers but think the National Teacher Council must tread cautiously in the implementation of the policy and not rush, putting the prospective teachers at a disadvantage.

The communiqué called for the input of the various teacher unions to pave way for a smooth implementation of the policy.  

National President, King Ali Awudu said they will partner Petra Trust to roll out a third Tier pension scheme for its members which is optional adding that sensitization will soon begin to educate its members.

The Deputy Minister for Education, Babrah Ayisi who was the guest of honour applauded teachers for their support in the education sector.

She called for patience whiles government rolls out packages it has in place for teachers as they begin the implementation of the double track system.

The Minister lauded government’s free senior high school policy adding that it has given hope to many around the country to fulfil their dreams of being educated.

She said between 2013 and 2016 an annual average of 100,000 students who passed the Basic Certificate Examination and were placed in senior high schools failed to go to school because of cost.

She added that in the north where the government feeding grant is available the average was 11.48 percent.

She said even though government has created about 13,200 extra space at the SHS level to accommodate these increasing numbers they still need an additional 181,993 extra space this year.

It is against this backdrop that government has introduced the double track system to accommodate the numbers, she added.