If President Mahama Thinks Our Role Is Not Important, Then He Should Pay Us So We Resign – Salamatu

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress has maintained that its ongoing industrial action will not be suspended until the government agrees to substantive negotiations aimed at resolving the issues raised by the union.

TEWU National Chairperson Salamatu Braimah made the position known in a firm response directed at President John Dramani Mahama. She expressed disappointment over recent comments which, in her view, suggested that the concerns of education workers were not receiving the seriousness they deserved.

Braimah argued that TEWU and its members play an important role in Ghana’s education sector and broader national development and should therefore be treated with respect and given proper recognition. She said workers expected their concerns to be addressed through constructive engagement rather than remarks that could be interpreted as dismissive.

According to the union leader, TEWU members are not prepared to return to work until the issues behind the industrial action receive meaningful attention from the government. She maintained that the union had explored other avenues to resolve the dispute before resorting to strike action.

Braimah explained that repeated attempts to reach a satisfactory resolution had not produced the desired outcome, leaving industrial action as what the union considered its remaining means of pressing for action on its demands.

In a pointed response to the perceived lack of recognition, she suggested that if the government genuinely considers the contribution of TEWU members insignificant, it should consider adequately compensating them to leave their positions rather than expecting them to continue working under conditions they find unacceptable.

Her comments have further highlighted the wider issues surrounding the dispute, with TEWU framing the strike as a demand for dignity, fair treatment and recognition of the contribution made by education workers.

The union has consequently signalled that it intends to maintain its position until government representatives engage with its concerns in a serious and constructive manner.

For now, TEWU insists that assurances alone will not resolve the impasse. The union says meaningful negotiations and concrete attention to its grievances are necessary before its members will consider ending the industrial action.