Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
In a press conference that signals escalating tensions in Ghana's educational sector, the Teachers and Educational Workers' Union (TEWU) of TUC has announced a comprehensive nationwide strike, casting a stark spotlight on long-standing labor grievances that have simmered beneath the surface of the country's educational infrastructure.
Effective September 19, 2025, the strike will encompass a broad spectrum of non-teaching educational personnel, including staff from the Ghana Education Service, public and technical universities, Ghana Library Authority, and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. The move represents an unprecedented unified stand against what union leaders describe as systematic discrimination and unfair labor practices.
King James Azortibah, TEWU's Secretary, delivered a passionate and meticulously detailed statement that went far beyond a simple labor dispute. "Our silence must not be mistaken for acceptance of discrimination," he declared, emphasizing that the strike is a calculated response to years of institutional neglect.
The union's demands are comprehensive and multifaceted, targeting several critical areas of concern:
Delayed Conditions of Service, The union demands immediate signing of service conditions for non-teaching staff across various educational institutions.
Professional Development Allowances, A significant point of contention is the uncertainty surrounding the Continuous Professional Development and Skills Allowance (CPDA), with non-teaching staff feeling particularly marginalized compared to their teaching colleagues.
Overtime and Weekend Compensation, Security and catering personnel are seeking fair compensation for weekend and overtime work, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of support staff.
Promotion Grievances, Unresolved promotional issues within the Ghana Education Service have created a climate of frustration and perceived institutional bias.
Azortibah expanded on the union's perspective by invoking the UNESCO definition of a teacher, arguing that education is a holistic ecosystem where every role—from classroom maintenance to administrative support—is crucial. "If the washrooms are not clean, if security cannot keep the campus safe, if administrative records are not maintained, how can education truly function?" he challenged.
The union was careful to frame the strike as a principled stand against systemic issues, not an attack on education itself. "We are parents, we have students in these institutions," Azortibah stressed, underlining the personal stake union members have in maintaining educational quality.
The government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission now face significant pressure to engage in meaningful dialogue. The union's strategy appears designed to force comprehensive negotiations rather than piecemeal concessions.
Legal experts suggest the strike raises important questions about labor rights, institutional accountability, and the broader dynamics of educational workforce management in Ghana.
As schools and educational institutions prepare for potential disruption, stakeholders across the educational landscape are watching closely. The strike represents more than a labor dispute—it is a potential watershed moment for educational worker rights in Ghana.
The union has made it clear: they will remain resolute until their legitimate concerns are comprehensively addressed. All non-teaching staff have been instructed to stay home in solidarity, signaling a united and determined approach to achieving their objectives.
With the academic year potentially hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the government's response to this unprecedented collective action.