The government is expected to take further action if striking teacher unions do not suspend their industrial action by Friday, October 9.
Dr Smith Graham of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) disclosed this during an interview on Ghana Akoma on Akoma FM on Wednesday, October 7.
He said the government and teacher unions have signed documents as part of efforts to resolve the dispute, arguing that the agreements should pave the way for the strike to end.
"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.
His comments follow negotiations involving the FWSC, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the various teacher unions, which have so far failed to secure an immediate suspension of the strike.
Dr Graham said the government had made considerable efforts to address the teachers’ concerns, while acknowledging that the unions also had legitimate expectations.
"The government has really done well in handling this situation. The teachers have their expectations, just as the government does. We gave them an offer based on the resources of the state; it doesn't mean that we gave them a bad offer," he said.
The unions have been on strike for several days, disrupting teaching and learning and leaving thousands of students and parents uncertain about when schools will fully resume.
The FWSC is expected to continue discussions with the unions as both sides work towards resolving the outstanding issues.
Friday, October 9, could therefore determine the government’s next response if the unions maintain the industrial action.
