The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a strong warning to the government over what it describes as the persistent failure to fully implement a binding arbitral award granted by the National Labour Commission (NLC) in May 2023.

In a statement, CETAG said the government has repeatedly failed to honour agreed commitments, including the payment of the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance arrears, despite assurances given during engagements with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on April 30, 2025.

According to the association, the allowance was originally expected to be paid alongside the 2024/2025 Book and Research Allowance, but it remains outstanding. CETAG also expressed concern that Akrokerri College of Education has yet to receive the top-up of its 2022 Book and Research Allowance, despite “numerous assurances” from authorities.

“The NLC’s arbitral award is not optional but binding on the government of the day,” the statement stressed, describing the delays as a breach of trust and a disregard for the rule of law governing labour relations.

The Association further highlighted other unresolved labour issues currently before the NLC, including compensation for all-year-round academic work done in 2022 by thirty-nine Colleges of Education, the downgrading of experienced staff, and unpaid 2022/2023 Book and Research Allowance arrears tied to CETAG’s migration onto the university salary structure.

CETAG warned that if the government fails to fully implement all aspects of the arbitral award by the end of October 2025, it will take appropriate action. It added that failure to comply fully by 7th November 2025 would be interpreted as official strike notice across all Colleges of Education.

“This industrial action will remain in force until the last pesewa owed to CETAG is paid,” the Association cautioned.

The group called on the government to act “swiftly and decisively” to avoid disruptions to the 2025/2026 academic calendar, stating that the welfare and motivation of teacher educators is central to the quality of teacher training in Ghana.

The government is yet to respond formally to CETAG’s statement.