Public basic schools in Kumasi closed as teachers continue strike

Public basic schools across the Ashanti Region have ground to a halt following a nationwide strike declared by major teacher unions over unfulfilled conditions of service and unpaid allowances.

Classrooms at several institutions including Bantama Presby KG, Primary, and JHS; Bantama Methodist School; Bantama St. Anthony R/C Primary and JHS; K.O Methodist Primary A and B; Asem Cluster of School; and St Cyprins Anglican Primary A and B and JHS A, remained locked and deserted on Tuesday with neither teachers nor students on campus.

The industrial action, launched on 25th September 2026, was jointly called by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRE-TAG).

According to the union leaders, approximately 80,000 members passed their professional promotion examinations but only about 6,000 have been placed on their corresponding salary scales. 

The unions disclosed that the remaining educators continue to receive their old salaries with no back pay or arrears disbursed since January 2026. 

Additionally, teachers posted to designated deprived areas have yet to receive their 20 percent incentive allowance.

Now in its second week, the strike has severely disrupted academic schedules, hitting final-year public school students particularly hard as they prepare for examinations.

To prevent falling behind, several pupils have resorted to private tuition and community-run extra classes, imposing an unexpected financial burden on parents.

“The strike has affected us in many ways,” said a Form 1 student attending private lessons in Kumasi.

“What we are supposed to be learning right now?” they asked, stressing “we can’t. Our future depends on this”.

Form 3 students expressed their frustrations over the challenge of self-directed study without professional guidance.

“We try to learn on our own, but it is difficult to grasp the material without a teacher’s help,” a final-year student said, highlighting, “my parents had to hire a private tutor for me so I can keep up”.

Students have appealed directly to the government to address the unions’ grievances promptly so that normal academic activities can resume.

Source: Elisha Adarkwah/classfmonline.com

‘There is no time to waste’ – Bawumia urges new NPP national executives to aim for victory 2028

‘Our voices in politics matter’ – Grace Ayensu-Danquah encourages women in politics

‘Language is like a bowl’ — Dr Bertha Ayi on how parents hurt children by raising them only on English

NPP National Executives Election: John Boadu elected National Chairman, JFK, Titus Glover, Hawa Koomson win big

La Pleasure Beach gone as joint security personnel assist demolition exercise

Fix traffic lights and roads before TRAFFITECH-GH fine enforcement – CUTS urges gov’t

‘We’ll work together to ensure NPP’s 2028 victory’ – Justin Kodua dismisses concerns over John Boadu relationship

Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah granted GH¢50 million bail with 3 sureties

NDC has no hand in La Pleasure Beach demolition – La Dadekotopon MP

Manhyia South MP remains in EOCO custody as lawyer Atta Akyea challenges overnight detention