The Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has issued a fresh two-week deadline to the government to implement the proposed 20% deprived-area allowance for teachers, warning that failure to resolve the matter could result in industrial action.
The ultimatum was announced by PRETAG National President King Ali Awudu on Monday, August 10, 2026, during the sidelines of the Association’s National Executive Council meeting in Koforidua.
Mr. Awudu said the government is expected to address the outstanding issue by the end of August 2026 to prevent possible disruptions within the education sector.
PRETAG Suspended Earlier Industrial Action
PRETAG had previously threatened to embark on industrial action at the end of July over the allowance and other unresolved concerns.
However, the planned action was suspended following interventions by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
According to Mr. Awudu, the initial July deadline was extended to allow the government more time to work towards resolving the issues raised by the teachers’ association.
“We first gave the deadline of the end of July. The Ghana Education Service and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission intervened, and we decided to suspend the July ultimatum,” he explained.
He said PRETAG has now moved the deadline to the end of August, giving the government additional time to act.
Mr. Awudu warned that the government would bear responsibility for any consequences if the association’s demands remain unresolved after the new deadline.
“By this August ultimatum, if what we want is not addressed, government should have itself to blame,” he added.
PRETAG Pushes for Promotion to Director Ranks
Beyond the deprived-area allowance, PRETAG is also calling on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the implementation of a career progression structure that would allow qualified teachers to move from Deputy Director to Director II and subsequently Director I.
The Association said the proposed promotion structure was part of a 2024 campaign promise made by President Mahama.
PRETAG is therefore urging the government to take concrete steps to implement the arrangement and provide eligible teachers with improved opportunities for professional advancement.
Industrial Action Remains a Possibility
The latest ultimatum has increased pressure on the government to resolve PRETAG’s concerns before the end of August.
The Association has cautioned that failure to implement the 20% deprived-area allowance and address its other outstanding demands within the extended timeframe could lead to industrial action.
Such action could potentially disrupt teaching and learning across the country if the concerns remain unresolved.