The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) strike has entered its seventh week, with teachers defying the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission's (GTEC) directive to freeze their July salaries.

The strike, which began on June 14, 2024, is a response to the government's delay in implementing the National Labour Commission's (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions.

In an interview with myjoyonline.com, CETAG President, Prince Obeng-Himang, stated that the strike will continue until the government signs the agreement, making it a binding document.

"The objective for embarking on the strike has not been met. The lackadaisical attitude [of the government] should tell you that they are trying to deceive us," he explained.

The strike has affected all 46 public colleges of education nationwide, interrupting the academic calendar and leaving students waiting anxiously for the resumption of classes.

Students have appealed to the government to address CETAG's concerns, citing the impact of the strike on their education.

CETAG's demands include the payment of one month's salary to each member for additional duties performed in 2022 and the application of agreed rates of allowances payable to public universities to deserving CETAG members.

Despite an NLC directive on June 20, 2024 to end the strike, CETAG continued, leading to a hearing where the Commission announced plans to sue the government to enforce the arbitral award in CETAG's favor.

On July 22 2024, CETAG leadership said it would resist any illegal attempts to freeze members' salaries and vowed to intensify their indefinite strike until the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions are implemented.

The government's failure to address CETAG's concerns has led to accusations of deception and a lack of commitment to resolving the issue. CETAG insists its strike is legal and has accused the NLC of misinforming the public.

As the strike continues, students and teachers alike await a resolution to the impasse, hoping for a swift return to normal academic activities.

JKB/AE

Watch the latest episode of Everyday People on GhanaWeb TV below: