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 withheld salaries for teachers.

The salaries for July and August were reportedly withheld as punishment for certain teachers’ absence from a Professional Learning Community (PLC) session, a move NAGRAT argues violates Ghana Education Service (GES) policies.

At a press briefing on Friday, 25 October 2024 in Koforidua, NAGRAT’s Eastern Regional Chairman, Awoonor-Yevu Godwin, expressed concern, stating that the headmaster’s actions not only undermine teacher morale but also overstep the authority provided by the GES code of conduct. “It is disheartening to learn that some teachers are being penalised for not attending PLC sessions, this is not only unfair but also counter-productive and undermines the morale of teachers,” he said.

The PLC initiative, introduced approximately eight years ago, is designed to enhance teacher development through professional workshops. NAGRAT emphasized that attendance at these sessions, while beneficial, should not impact salaries.

According to NAGRAT, the GES policy does not permit headmasters to suspend teacher salaries or require apology letters for missing such sessions.

Mr. Awoonor-Yevu stated: “Headmasters and headmistresses do not have the authority to place an embargo on the salary of a teacher who does not attend PLC sessions.”

He also called on the Education Directorate to intervene, warning of possible further actions if the teachers' salaries are not promptly restored.

Meanwhile, NAGRAT has requested that all municipal and district education directors desist from similar punitive measures, arguing that constructive engagement, rather than salary penalties, will better support teachers’ professional growth and uphold morale.