Government Releases GH¢43.07 Million to Settle CETAG Arrears
Accra, Ghana – January 27, 2026
The Government of Ghana has approved and released GH¢43,077,890.22 to settle outstanding financial arrears owed to members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG). The release follows prolonged negotiations between the Association and government agencies over unpaid allowances and compensation.
A letter from the Ministry of Finance dated January 26, 2026, confirms that the funds were released upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and in compliance with determinations by the National Labour Commission (NLC).
Breakdown of the Approved Funds
According to official documentation, the total amount released covers three key outstanding obligations:
Outstanding All-Year-Round Work Compensation balance – GH¢1,818,626.22
Book and Research Allowance top-up for the 2023/2024 academic year – GH¢41,222,024.00
Research Allowance top-up for Akrokerri College of Education (2022/2023) – GH¢37,240.00
The Book and Research Allowance top-up constitutes the largest portion of the funds. The All-Year-Round Work compensation represents the remaining balance of an arbitration award issued on May 2, 2023, which had previously been only partially
paid.
Government Implementation and Fiscal Compliance
The Ministry of Finance has directed that the payments be charged to the 2026 Compensation of Employees Vote of the Ministry of Education. Officials have indicated that the disbursement will be executed in strict accordance with Ghana’s public financial management regulations.
Strike Status and CETAG Position
Despite the release of funds, CETAG has indicated that its final decision on the suspension of the ongoing strike will depend on confirmation of payment and validation by its members. Academic activities at public colleges of education therefore remain disrupted pending official communication from the Association.
Context of the Industrial Action
The CETAG strike stems from the government’s delay in fully implementing a binding arbitral award issued by the National Labour Commission. The dispute has significantly affected teaching and academic work across public colleges of education nationwide.
Outlook
Education stakeholders anticipate that confirmation of payments will pave the way for a full resumption of academic activities. CETAG leadership has reiterated its commitment to dialogue while insisting on the complete fulfillment of all agreed conditions of service.
