The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has accused the Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) of deliberately twisting facts regarding the ongoing strike action.

In a statement released on 13th August 2024, CETAG expressed its dissatisfaction with comments made by the Executive Secretary of the NLC, claiming that his remarks were calculated to paint CETAG members as unreasonable in their demands.

The Association argues that these statements have created a false narrative about their stance and the reasons behind the strike. The association contends that these statements were strategically crafted to shift public perception against CETAG.

“First of all, the Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission has been making wild allegations in the media of late to create an impression that CETAG members were unreasonable and that the Union was making the work of the Commission difficult,” the statement read.

CETAG further explained that the ongoing industrial action stems from the National Labour Commission’s neglect in enforcing a compulsory arbitration award granted to the association on 2nd May 2023.

CETAG also stated, “The comments made by the Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission, alleging that CETAG had refused to call off the strike in contempt of a court order, are completely false. The Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) for over eight months leading to the ongoing strike.”

“Secondly, the Executive Secretary of the NLC made a statement that CETAG had refused to call off our strike in contempt of a court order. Unfortunately, that statement by the Executive Secretary is completely false because since CETAG declared our indefinite strike on June 14, 2024, no court has ordered the Union,” CETAG stated.

The association also stated that the High Court in Accra has adjourned sine die the Commission’s interlocutory injunction filed against CETAG.

Additionally, the Commission’s application for enforcement of its compulsory arbitration award on behalf of CETAG has been delayed, with the case last scheduled to be heard on 26th June 2024. The Ministry of Education and the National Labour Commission are yet to respond to the allegations made by CETAG.