Return to the classroom – GTEC orders CETAG
The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, has directed members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to suspend their strike and return to their various classrooms.
According to Prof. Jinapor, the government has paid all research and book allowances owed to CETAG members through the Finance Ministry.
However, it can only be accessed on the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System from today, Monday, July 15, 2024, onwards.
Prof. Jinapor disclosed this while speaking at the inauguration of Professor Prince Boateng, who has been promoted from Acting Principal to substantive Principal of Ada College of Education.
He added, “GTEC is currently working with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to ensure all staff is placed on the scheme”.
“CETAG is on strike on the grounds that they want a top-up of their book and research allowance paid, and I am glad that the monies have finally been paid. A total of one hundred and ninety-nine million Ghana cedis plus have been paid,” he added.
It will be recalled that CETAG declared an indefinite strike on Friday, June 14, 2024, due to the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions.
A day later, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) ordered CETAG to suspend the strike.
The FWSC characterised CETAG’s action as a betrayal of trust, especially considering the government’s attempts to resolve their issues.
After some days, the National Labour Commission (NLC) announced its decision to sue the government to enforce its arbitral award orders in favour of CETAG.
The NLC requested the court to restrain CETAG’s executives, officers, members, agents, and employees from further engaging in the strike action.
Meanwhile, the court is scheduled to hear the case on Thursday, July 18.