The coalition of concerned teachers insists the negotiated amount is paltry and does not constitute a realistic salary for teachers.
Teachers across the country hit the streets last week, agitating for an increase in salaries following distortions in the new pay policy, the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) embarked on a nationwide strike to push for increased allowances and wages.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) did not officially announce a strike but its members in solidarity boycotted the classrooms.
Government after thorough negotiations with the leaders of GNAT and NAGRAT announced a 15 per cent allowance dubbed the Teachers’ Retention Premium as part of the SSSS. The announcement was received with mixed feelings by the teachers. NAGRAT called off the indefinite strike with the leadership urging its members to return to the classrooms.
Government further appealed to the teachers to return to the classroom to prepare both the senior high school students as well as those in the Junior High School for their impending exams. But the appeals appear to have fallen on deaf ears of the coalition of concerned teachers.
Spokesperson of the group, Clement Asambiri told Joy News the retention premium is meager and not realistic. He claims teachers have suffered long enough and the time to demand meaningful salary and recognition is now. He said the basic salary they are ready to accept is GHS500.
The group is also demanding for the immediate resignation of both the leadership of GNAT and NAGRAT who they accuse of failing to negotiate well on their behalf. According to him, both leaders of GNAT and NAGRAT gleefully accepted the paltry 15 per cent allowance to cover-up for their inefficiencies.
But government says the group must reconsider their decision.
Deputy Education Minister, Mahama Ayariga suspects the group may be taking advantage of a volatile situation to engender their own internal politics.
He argued government negotiated with legally constituted and recognized teacher unions in the country and hopes the coalition will refrain from carrying out with their threats of continued boycott of classrooms. He said he has favourable reports that some teachers have returned to the classrooms and urged the rest to follow suit.
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