Government Releases GH¢43 Million to Settle CETAG Arrears in Bid to End Crippling Strike

ACCRA, Ghana – In a major move aimed at de-escalating tensions within the nation’s tertiary education sector, the Government of Ghana has authorized the release of over GH¢43 million to settle outstanding arbitral awards owed to the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).

The official directive, issued by the Ministry of Finance and signed by Deputy Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem (MP) on behalf of the Minister, marks a critical turning point in a long-running dispute that has seen academic activities across the country’s 46 public colleges of education grind to a halt.

Breakdown of the GH¢43 Million Payout

The authorized sum of GH¢43,077,890.22 is earmarked to cover three primary areas of contention identified by the National Labour Commission (NLC) in its earlier arbitral award. According to the official document dated January 26, 2026, the funds will be distributed as follows:

• All Year-Round Work Compensation: A final outstanding amount of GH¢1,818,626.22 to compensate teachers for additional duties performed throughout the academic year.

• Book and Research Allowance Top-up: The largest portion of the release, totaling GH¢41,222,024.00, intended as a top-up for the 2023/2024 academic year.

• Akrokerri College Research Allowance: A specific allocation of GH¢37,240.00 for the 2022/2023 academic year, previously delayed due to data submission issues.

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The Ministry has instructed the Controller and Accountant General to charge this expenditure to the 2026 Compensation of Employees Vote for the Ministry of Education.

Hope for an Immediate End to the Strike

The release of these funds is seen as the final hurdle in ending the ongoing CETAG strike. For months, tutors have picketed and withdrawn their services, demanding the full implementation of the NLC’s arbitral awards and improved conditions of service.

Stakeholders, including parents and students who have been caught in the crossfire of the industrial action, are expressing cautious optimism. “We kindly urge all stakeholders to remain hopeful that the monies will be credited into members’ accounts without delay,” a representative stated. “This is the definitive step needed to bring the strike to an end and return our students to the classroom.”

A Test for Public Financial Management

While the release is a victory for CETAG, the Ministry of Finance has underscored the need for strict administrative compliance. The Chief Director of the Ministry of Education has been reminded to ensure that all operations covered by this release strictly adhere to the Public Procurement Act and the Public Financial Management Act 2016 (Act 921).

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As the banking processes begin, all eyes are now on the leadership of CETAG. The association is expected to convene an emergency meeting once the funds are verified in members’ accounts to officially call off the strike, potentially paving the way for a full resumption of the academic calendar by early next month.

Government Releases GH¢43 Million to Settle CETAG Arrears—Letter