The meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m., follows an ultimatum from the unions for the government to resolve the matter by close of work on Monday.
The unions have threatened industrial action if newly promoted teachers are not placed on their appropriate salary scales, following concerns over a directive from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department requiring additional lists and documentation before the promotions can be implemented.
The unions say the directive contradicts an earlier assurance by the Ghana Education Service (GES) that the automatic promotion system would be implemented by August.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 28, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, said Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu had directed him to engage the unions following their concerns.
“Since they made this known and indicated what would happen if no action is taken, the Honourable Minister for Education has directed me to contact the leadership of the teacher unions, who have been sent to come to the ministry on Monday at 11 a.m. for a meeting,” he said.
Dr Apaak said the government recognised the importance of teachers and wanted to resolve the dispute before it affected teaching and learning.
“The minister wants to engage them so that we can find a way of getting the institution whose pronouncement has put the teachers on edge to see what can be done so that we can continue to enjoy harmony in the educational sector,” he said.
He appealed to the unions to remain calm and attend the meeting, stressing that a strike would have serious consequences for the education system.
“Because if they go on strike, and we are talking about pre-tertiary education from kindergarten to secondary school, the consequences will be dire for all of us as a nation,” Dr Apaak said.
He added that the ministry remained committed to maintaining a “cordial, respectful, open, transparent, and peaceful working relationship” with the teacher unions.
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