Ghana teacher strike: FWSC warns of further action after October 9

The government could take further action if teacher unions do not suspend their strike by Friday, October 9, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has warned.

Dr Smith Graham , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the commission said both sides had signed documents that should bring the industrial action to an end. He did not specify the measures the government could take if the strike continued beyond Friday.

His comments follow negotiations involving the commission, the Ghana Education Service and teacher unions that did not immediately lead to a suspension of the strike.

Speaking on Akoma FM’s Ghana Akoma programme on Wednesday, October 7, Dr Graham argued that the unions should return to work while discussions continued.

“Both parties have signed documents that should bring the strike to an end.

You cannot remain on strike while we are still at the negotiation table,” he said.

Dr Graham said the government had made considerable efforts to address the teachers’ concerns. He also acknowledged that the unions had expectations, while warning that not every demand could be met.

“Government has really done well in handling this situation. The teachers have their expectations, just as the government does, but we cannot meet all of the teachers’ demands,” he said.

The continuing strike has left students and parents uncertain about when teaching and learning will resume. Although discussions have taken place, they have yet to produce an immediate return to classrooms.

The commission is expected to continue engaging the unions as efforts are made to resolve the outstanding issues.

Friday is now the date identified by Dr Graham for suspending the industrial action before a possible further government response. However, no specific enforcement measure or sanction was announced in the supplied account.