The government is expected to take further action if striking teachers do not suspend their industrial action by Friday, October 9, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has said.
Dr Smith Graham, speaking on Ghana Akoma on Akoma FM on Wednesday, October 7, said the government and teacher unions had signed documents intended to resolve the dispute and end the strike.
“Both parties have signed documents that should bring the strike to an end. You cannot remain on strike while we are still at the negotiation table,” he said.
The warning follows discussions involving the FWSC, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the various teacher unions, which have so far failed to secure the immediate suspension of the industrial action.
The unions have been on strike for several days over outstanding demands, disrupting teaching and learning and leaving thousands of students and parents uncertain about when schools will resume normal activities.
Dr Graham said the government had made considerable efforts to respond to the teachers’ concerns, while accepting that the unions had legitimate expectations of their own.
“Government has really done well in handling this situation. The teachers have their expectations, just as the government does, but we cannot meet all of the teachers’ demands,” he said.
He stressed that although discussions were continuing, the government would not necessarily be able to agree to every demand put forward by the unions.
The continuing negotiations are aimed at resolving the remaining issues and bringing the dispute to an end. The FWSC is expected to maintain its engagement with the unions as both sides work towards a settlement.
Dr Graham’s comments indicate that Friday, October 9, may determine the government’s next response if the strike remains in place.
The government’s position comes after the signing of documents by both sides, which the FWSC believes should provide the basis for the teachers to return to work. However, the unions had not suspended the strike by the time of Dr Graham’s comments.
The dispute has therefore continued despite negotiations, with the FWSC, GES and teacher unions still involved in efforts to reach an agreement.