The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), has expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the migration of staff onto the University Salary Structure.

These stakeholders include the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD).

The association commended their collaborative efforts in addressing long-standing issues that have affected its members.

However, CETAG has raised concerns about the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission's (FWSC) letter dated 27th January 2025, which it believes does not fully and accurately represent the unresolved issues surrounding the migration process.

In a statement on Wednesday January 29, CETAG further outlined related issues over the period:

Acknowledging Progress

CETAG acknowledged several key milestones in the migration process and other related issues:

1. Migration to University Salary Structure: CETAG noted that the migration of its members to the University Salary Structure is a significant step towards implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) arbitration award of 2nd May 2023.
2. Payment of Book and Research Allowance (BRA) Top-Up: The disbursement of a GHS 1,064 top-up for the 2022/2023 BRA to qualified members, based on an agreement signed on 22nd May 2023, was recognised by CETAG as an important achievement.
3. Government Commitment: CETAG welcomed the government's commitment to addressing the challenges arising from the migration process and remains optimistic that the ongoing efforts will lead to a resolution of all outstanding issues, ensuring equity and industrial harmony.

Clarifications on FWSC’s Letter

CETAG highlighted several inaccuracies and omissions in the FWSC’s letter:

1. 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance:
   • The FWSC's assertion that the government has fully paid the BRA is incorrect. CETAG pointed out that the outstanding balance of GHS 21,636.00 per qualified member for the 2023/2024 academic year remains unpaid, pending the full implementation of the migration process.
   • The letter also misrepresented the 2022/2023 top-up (GHS 1,064) as part of the 2023/2024 BRA, which CETAG has urged the FWSC to correct.
2. Outstanding All Year Round Work Compensation (AYRWC):
   • While four Colleges of Education have received compensation for additional work done in 2022, the remaining 42 colleges have not been compensated, which has created inequity among CETAG members.
3. Non-Migration and Improper Placement:
   • Some CETAG members are yet to be migrated to the University Salary Structure, and there have been instances of inappropriate placement, including the failure to recognise certain qualifications. CETAG has called for an urgent review of these issues.
4. 2022/2023 BRA Top-Up Arrears at Akrokerri College:
   • Staff at Akrokerri College of Education have not yet received their 2022/2023 BRA top-up arrears. This delay continues to cause dissatisfaction among affected members.

Unresolved Issues Needing Urgent Attention

CETAG outlined several outstanding issues that require immediate resolution:

1. Full payment of AYRWC to the remaining 42 Colleges of Education.
2. Full payment of the 2022/2023 BRA arrears tied to migration.
3. Full payment of the 2023/2024 BRA arrears, contingent upon migration.
4. Payment of the 2022/2023 BRA top-up to Akrokerri College of Education staff.
5. Resolution of non-migration and improper placement issues for CETAG members.
6. Payment of migration arrears to retired staff and those who have left for other institutions but were included in the staff audit.

CETAG’s Commitment to Industrial Harmony

CETAG says it has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining industrial peace by suspending its three-week industrial action on 24th January 2025. The decision to end the strike was based on the government’s goodwill in addressing some concerns and the desire to minimise disruption to students and the broader college community.

CETAG also recognised the commitment of the newly sworn-in Minister for Education to engage in dialogue and work towards resolving the outstanding issues.

CETAG emphasised that while it remains open to dialogue, lasting peace in the Colleges of Education depends on the swift resolution of all outstanding issues.

FWSC’s Call to End the Strike

The FWSC’s letter, which urged CETAG to end its strike, overlooked the fact that CETAG had already suspended the strike on 24th January 2025. Official letters announcing the suspension were circulated widely in the public domain.

CETAG expressed concern that the FWSC’s failure to acknowledge this development reflected a lack of coordination and communication between stakeholders, which undermines trust and creates unnecessary tension.

Call for Constructive Communication

CETAG urged the FWSC to exercise due diligence when verifying information before issuing public statements. "Accurate and transparent communication is crucial to building trust and ensuring constructive dialogue among all stakeholders" it said.

CETAG reiterated its commitment to engaging with all relevant parties to secure a fair resolution to the issues affecting its members.

In conclusion, while appreciating the progress made in the migration process, it stresses the importance of resolving the outstanding issues in a timely and equitable manner to ensure continued success and industrial harmony within the Colleges of Education.