Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, has appealed to striking teachers to return to the classroom as engagements continue to resolve their outstanding concerns.
Prof. Davis said the GES is working with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) to address issues raised by the teacher unions.
His appeal follows a nationwide strike declared by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), which took effect on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The unions are demanding action on outstanding issues, including promotion-related payments and arrears owed to teachers.
Following a meeting with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and other government officials, the unions said they had received no new commitments sufficient to end the strike.
“It has been the old story of promises upon promises,” GNAT said.
“Where we have reached at the moment, we are not taking promises. We want action.”
The unions subsequently directed their members to remain away from the classroom until they see concrete steps towards resolving their concerns.
Speaking to the media, however, Prof. Davis appealed to teachers to reconsider their decision while negotiations continue.
“I want to acknowledge teachers and heads of schools. I appeal to teachers to rescind their decision and return to the classroom,” he said.
He said the industrial action risks disrupting progress made in stabilising the academic calendar, noting that, for the first time in six years, students across various levels of education were able to report to school in September.
Prof. Davis commended teachers and heads of schools for contributing to the progress and stressed the importance of keeping schools operational.
He also highlighted measures being taken to improve career progression within the Ghana Education Service.
According to him, the government, through the Ministry of Education and with support from institutions including the Public Services Commission, has significantly expanded the number of positions available to teachers seeking promotion to senior ranks.
He disclosed that the establishment ceiling for the Director-2 rank had increased from 272 to 4,405 positions, representing an increase of more than 1,500 per cent.
Positions available at the Director-1 rank have also increased from 20 to 88, representing an increase of almost 340 per cent.
Prof. Davis described the expansion as evidence of the government’s support for improving career advancement opportunities for teachers.
“This is evidence that we have enjoyed the support of the government. The government cares about teachers because it has been our headache until the journey started in 2009,” he said.
“So, if within one and a half years we have attained this feat, then I think we should be thankful,” he added.
The GES Director-General also disclosed that the latest promotion exercise for teachers is underway.
He said applications have already been received following the publication of an advertisement, while preparations are far advanced for the promotion examination.
“Advertisement for promotion has been floated and applications have been received. Preparations are far advanced for the examination to be taken within the next month or two,” he said.
Prof. Davis said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to improve professional development and career progression for teachers.
He maintained that GES remains committed to engaging the unions and relevant government institutions to resolve the outstanding issues while minimising disruption to teaching and learning.
He therefore renewed his appeal to striking teachers to return to the classroom as discussions continue.
