The Controller and Accountant General has taken the step of freezing the salaries for August belonging to members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
This action was prompted by a communication from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), instructing them to withhold the August stipends of CETAG members due to the ongoing strike.
When CETAG members attempted to access their accounts at their banks, they found their accounts empty, waking up to the realization that their August salaries had not been deposited.
This situation has caused frustration and confusion among the members as they grapple with how to provide for their families.
A concerned teacher expressed, “I haven’t received my salary for August. This is unexpected and hits hard. Many teachers rely solely on their salaries, with only a few having other income sources. Well, I can only trust in divine intervention to get through this…”
Another member noted that the freezing of salaries would have adverse effects and necessitate seeking alternative means of survival.
The concerned member highlighted that the government shouldn’t have issued such a directive since CETAG is legally on strike, insisting, “Our stance is that until all the unjust rewards are put into effect, we won’t return to the classroom.”
Meanwhile, as pressure mounts on CETAG’s leadership, they are hopeful for a resolution, with attention turned to the upcoming National Labour Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
Fidelis Kamaayi, President of CETAG’s Greater Accra branch, shed light on their predicament and the path forward, stating, “We’re awaiting the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting. If all five unjust awards are implemented, then our council will decide whether to end or continue the strike. So, it hinges on what occurs on Wednesday.”
On August 1, 2023, the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) initiated an indefinite strike to compel the government to fulfill its commitment of implementing the negotiated conditions of service.
This decision followed the government’s failure to comply with the National Labour Commission’s Arbitral Award Orders and the negotiated conditions of service since May 2, 2023.
CETAG’s President, Prince Obeng-Himah, emphasized that the National Labour Commission should pressure the Ministry of Finance to honor the service conditions agreements. He added that until full compliance with the orders is witnessed, they will stand firm in their stance.
Leave feedback about this