The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has sought to distance itself from reports that teachers participating in the ongoing nationwide strike would have their salaries deducted for every day they remain off duty.
The Commission said its attention is currently focused on dialogue and negotiations with the three pre-tertiary teacher unions to resolve outstanding issues concerning their collective agreement and conditions of service.
The FWSC said reports attributing comments on salary deductions to its Chief Executive, Dr George Smith-Graham, were inaccurate and did not reflect the Commission’s position.
In a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Emelia Ennin, the Commission said Dr Smith-Graham had not made the comments attributed to him.
“The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission wishes to state that our Chief Executive did not make the comments attributed to him in the said media report,” the statement said.
The Commission therefore urged the public and media to disregard the reports and any conclusions drawn from them.
FWSC continues talks with teacher unions
The clarification comes as the FWSC leads the government’s formal engagement with the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) following the commencement of their nationwide strike on September 28.
The Commission said it met the leadership of the three unions on Tuesday, October 6, as part of efforts to resolve the issues that triggered the industrial action.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Smith-Graham and attended by GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah, NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba, PRETAG President King Awudu Ali and other representatives of the unions.
According to the FWSC, the discussions provided an opportunity for both sides to examine the outstanding demands and issues contained in the unions’ concerns.
Dr Smith-Graham subsequently said the engagement would be reconvened after the Commission had undertaken further consultations on the demands and engaged relevant stakeholders.
He also commended the union leaders for the peaceful conduct of the meeting.
Government seeks resolution to strike
The FWSC’s involvement follows an emergency meeting convened by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on September 28, after the three teacher unions began their strike.
The Minister subsequently indicated that the FWSC would lead the next phase of formal negotiations on behalf of government.
The Commission said it remained committed to constructive engagement with the unions and other stakeholders to reach a mutually acceptable and sustainable resolution.
It acknowledged the concerns raised by the teacher unions and said continued dialogue and good-faith negotiations were critical to resolving the outstanding issues.
The FWSC has consequently urged stakeholders to rely on verified information from the Commission and other relevant authorities for updates on the negotiations.
It reiterated its commitment to promoting fair and sustainable compensation arrangements while maintaining harmonious industrial relations within Ghana’s public service.
