The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Friday, September 19, 2025.
According to a statement signed by the General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azortibah, the strike is in protest against the government’s continued delay in signing their conditions of service.
“We want the immediate signing of our conditions of service for TEWU-TUC Ghana and all junior staff of public and technical universities, as well as non-teaching staff of the Ghana Education Service,” the statement released on September 18 read.
Azortibah further called for the inclusion of other institutions in key benefits being provided by the government.
“Staff of the Ghana Library Authority and the Museums and Monuments Board must also be included in the payment of the GES non-teaching staff Continuous Professional Development Allowance in September 2025,” TEWU demanded.
The Union also raised concerns about prolonged delays in promotions and discrepancies in compensation for promoted staff.
“We are demanding the resolution of promotion grievances in GES, including staff who passed interviews but remain unpaid on their new salary scales, staff placed on new scales but denied official promotion letters, and staff who have received no communication after attending interviews,” it added.
The Union blamed the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) for the stalemate, demanding urgent action.
“The government—particularly the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission—must be held accountable. The FWSC must conclude and sign all conditions of service without further delays or excuses,” they stressed.
General Secretary Azortibah also issued a strong warning to employers regarding potential pushback against striking workers.
“All employers should note that it shall constitute an unfair labour practice should any employer prevent or intimidate any of our members—non-teaching staff of the GES, public and technical universities, Ghana Library Authority, and the Museums and Monuments Board—from exercising their lawful rights to strike.”
He emphasized that the Union had exhausted all legal avenues before resorting to industrial action.
“TEWU has exercised patience and restraint. We have followed due process and exhausted all legal requirements under the Labour Act of Ghana. The responsibility for the disruption of industrial peace in the education sector rests squarely with the government and its agencies.”
“We therefore urge all employers to respect this directive and refrain from any action that will infringe on the rights of our members,” TEWU noted.
The industrial action, coming at a time when basic and secondary schools have just reopened could affect the current academic calendar adversely.
