NAGRAT issues 5-day ultimatum to Akwamuman SHS over withheld teachers’ salaries
The Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a five-day ultimatum to the Asuogyaman Education Directorate and the headmaster of Akwamuman Senior High School, demanding the immediate reinstatement of July/August salaries for teachers whose pay was allegedly withheld. The action was reportedly taken by Headmaster Anim-Addo Asuoko as a penalty for teachers who did not attend a Professional Learning Community (PLC) session.
NAGRAT argues that withholding salaries over non-attendance at a PLC meeting is beyond the authority granted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) code of conduct, which does not endorse salary suspensions or obligatory apology letters for such absences. The PLC initiative, introduced about eight years ago, is designed to support teachers’ continuous professional development and skill improvement, with no stipulation that participation affects their salaries.
At a press briefing held on October 25 in Koforidua, NAGRAT’s Eastern Regional Chairman, Awoonor-Yevu Godwin, denounced the headmaster’s actions as “disheartening” and damaging to teacher morale. He called for the immediate lifting of the salary embargo, highlighting the negative impact punitive measures have on the work environment.
NAGRAT’s demands include:
- The immediate restoration of salaries for affected teachers.
- A directive for education authorities to refrain from punishing teachers for missing CPD and PLC sessions.
- The end of unfair practices that NAGRAT says are not supported by GES regulations.
The association has warned that further action will be taken if the headmaster does not comply with their ultimatum.
