Public Schools Bounce Back As Teacher Unions Call Off Strike

By Dominic Duut.

All public basic schools across the country are set to reopen today, Monday, October 12, 2026, after three major pre-tertiary teacher unions suspended their nationwide strike.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) laid down their tools on September 25, 2026, over unpaid promotion allowances, deprived area allowances and salary arrears.

After weeks of academic disruption, the unions announced the suspension of the strike on Friday, October 9, following a crucial meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment and the Council of State.

As part of the agreement reached, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department has pledged to pay outstanding promotion allowances to 51,000 affected teachers by Thursday, October 16, while the remaining arrears will be cleared by the end of October.

GNAT General Secretary, Thomas Musah, has therefore directed all teachers to return to the classroom immediately.

“The discussions have been fruitful. Our members should resume work today while we continue to engage government on the remaining issues,” he said.

NAGRAT President, Jacob Anaba, also assured members that government is committed to honouring its obligations, noting that deprived area allowances will be addressed in January 2027, with digital support and professional development allowances slated for November and December 2026 respectively.

Parents and pupils are expected to heave a sigh of relief as teaching and learning resumes fully today.