A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communication Team, Andy Mensah-Sarbah, has called on the government to urgently address the concerns of striking teachers to prevent further disruption to Ghana’s education system.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s EBAANOSEN, hosted by Ohene Kinnah, Mr. Mensah-Sarbah said the government must prioritise the welfare of teachers and resolve the issues underlying the ongoing industrial action.
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) began an indefinite strike on September 25, 2026, over concerns including unpaid promotion-related arrears, delays in negotiating a new collective agreement and the implementation of a deprived-area allowance. (CitiNewsroom.com)
Mr. Mensah-Sarbah argued that the previous NPP administration restored teachers’ allowances while in government, but accused the NDC of making several promises and criticising policies introduced by the NPP while seeking to return to power.
He urged the government to put the national interest ahead of political considerations, warning that the teachers’ strike could be an indication of broader challenges that may emerge if concerns affecting public-sector workers are not properly addressed.
According to him, continuous industrial action in the education sector would not benefit the country, particularly students whose academic activities are being disrupted.
He therefore appealed to both the government and teacher unions to avoid politicising the dispute and work towards a lasting resolution.
“Teachers belong to different political affiliations, including the NPP and NDC, so this should not be treated as a political matter,” he said.
Mr. Mensah-Sarbah also criticised what he described as attempts to undermine the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy introduced under the NPP administration.
He further argued that when teachers are posted to particular locations, the government has a responsibility to honour the terms and conditions attached to their employment.
According to him, the current strike is largely linked to the failure to implement measures and agreements reached with teachers.
The striking unions have similarly insisted that they want concrete evidence of implementation rather than further assurances, with outstanding concerns including promotion arrears and the proposed 20% deprived-area allowance. (CitiNewsroom.com)
Mr. Mensah-Sarbah called for mechanisms to be established to make industrial action a last resort, stressing that prolonged strikes could have serious consequences for students and the broader education system.
He urged the government and teacher unions to return to meaningful negotiations and find a sustainable solution that protects teachers’ welfare while ensuring that children do not continue to bear the consequences of the dispute.
By: Patience Amonoo
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