Ghana’s teacher unions have given government until midday on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to resolve outstanding issues over teacher promotion placement and the payment of arrears. The unions said the 2025 promotion placement has not been fully completed.
They also want government to address other concerns affecting teachers across the country. These include the renewal of the Collective Agreement and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance.
The unions raised the concerns in a statement dated Tuesday, September 22, 2026. They said government had agreed to automatically place all affected teachers by the end of September 2026.
However, the unions said the agreement has not been fully implemented. “It has come to the attention of the Teacher Unions that the 2025 promotion placement, together with the payment of arrears, have not been fully effected,” they stated.
The unions said the delays have created frustration among teachers across the country.
“This is not only disturbing and disappointing but has also ignited further tension and anger amongst the rank-and-file of teachers across the country,” they said.
The unions have now set midday on Thursday as the deadline for government to resolve the outstanding matters. They warned that they may no longer be able to restrain their members if the issues remain unresolved.
“We hereby serve notice that if by mid-day, Thursday, 24th September, 2026, all the issues are not addressed, the Teacher Unions will not be able to restrain the teachers anymore and whatever happens, the duty bearers should take full responsibility,” they stated.
The unions also clarified their position on the warning. “This is not a threat but a promise,” they said.
The concerns mainly affect teachers who are still waiting for placement following the 2025 promotion exercise. The payment of arrears is also part of the dispute.
The unions said the outstanding matters require urgent attention to prevent further tension among teachers.
Despite the warning, the unions have urged teachers to remain calm. They asked members to follow official instructions from their leadership.
“We therefore call on all teachers to remain calm and follow official directive from leadership,” the statement said. The unions also asked teachers to participate in any actions announced by their leaders.
“Participate in all actions announced by their leadership,” they added.
The statement was signed by Thomas T. Musah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).
It was also signed by Jacob Anaba, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and King Ali Awudu, President of the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).
The September 24 deadline now puts pressure on government to resolve the outstanding teacher promotion issues. Teachers affected by the 2025 promotion exercise are awaiting the completion of their placements and payment of the related arrears. The unions are also seeking progress on the Collective Agreement and Deprived Area Allowance.
Government’s response before the deadline will determine the next stage of the dispute.
Read the statement below:
