The leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) has said it will resist any illegal attempts to freeze members’ salaries, vowing to intensify its indefinite strike until the government implements the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions.

CETAG insists that its strike, which began in June, is legal and has accused the National Labour Commission (NLC) of spreading misinformation about its actions.

The Association also refuted claims that its members have received arrears for the Book and Research Allowance for the 2022/2023 academic year.

Academic activities at Colleges of Education nationwide have come to a halt since CETAG members began their strike to protest the government’s delay in implementing agreed-upon conditions.

Speaking at a news conference in Kumasi, CETAG President Prince Obeng-Himang stated that members would remain on strike until all outstanding issues are addressed.

“Any attempt to illegally freeze salaries would lead to legal action, as the strike is a legitimate response to the government’s delay in implementing the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions,” cautioned Mr. Obeng-Himang.

The Association also denied allegations that its members are conducting quizzes and tests for students during the strike.

CETAG clarified that students cannot take examinations if they miss more than 21 days of lectures/classes, according to the attendance policy of affiliate universities.

“The first of such misinformation was put across by GTEC two weeks ago that the Government had paid CETAG members an amount of GHS199 million as arrears for Book and Research Allowance for the 2022/2023 academic year. The fact is that as of today, Monday, 22nd July 2024, the Government has not paid any such money to members of CETAG,” said Mr. Obeng-Himang.

He added: “The second misinformation being peddled by some principals of colleges of education to students is that the affiliate universities shall conduct quizzes and examinations for the students whether the students are taught by the lecturers or not.

“This information is completely false because per the attendance policy of all the affiliate universities, a student cannot take an examination if he or she forfeits lectures/classes for more than twenty-one (21) days.”

CETAG advised students, principals, and affiliate universities to respect this policy and warned of legal action against any violations.

“CETAG is using this medium to advise students, principals, and affiliate universities that any attempt to violate the class attendance policy shall be met with legal action by any stakeholder in the education space,” Mr. Obeng-Himang stated.