Staff of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service have embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike effective Tuesday, March 24, 2026, citing unresolved concerns over conditions of service, staff welfare, and career progression.
The industrial action, announced by the TVET division of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), directs all members to withdraw their services until management takes concrete steps to address longstanding grievances. In a formal notice to the Director-General of the TVET Service, the union said the decision followed what it described as a failure by authorities to meaningfully engage workers after earlier correspondence dated March 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by Divisional IMC Secretary Seth Botchway on behalf of the GTVET-PSWU Division, the strike became unavoidable due to the lack of progress on critical issues affecting employees. The union, however, indicated its readiness to resume negotiations if the concerns are treated with urgency and sincerity.
At the heart of the dispute are persistent delays in promotions, staff upgrades, and the proper placement of qualified personnel within the service structure. Workers also expressed frustration over unpaid promotion arrears from the 2024 promotion exercise, which they say has placed financial strain on affected staff.
The union further highlighted widespread irregularities during staff migration processes, alleging that several teachers were downgraded or incorrectly placed within the ranking system. Confusion over the classification of professional and non-professional staff has also contributed to growing dissatisfaction among employees.
Additional grievances include the non-payment of acting and responsibility allowances for officers performing duties in higher positions, as well as prolonged acting appointments for senior roles such as principals and directors without formal confirmation. Instructors have also complained about delays in receiving workshop and practical allowances essential to their work.
Another concern raised involves payroll complications, with some teachers reportedly remaining on the Ghana Education Service payroll despite being part of the TVET Service, creating administrative challenges and payment delays.
The union also pointed to fragmented representation structures within the service, where employees under the same institution belong to different unions and are paid by separate agencies a situation it says undermines efficiency and coordination.
While urging members to strictly comply with the strike directive, the PSWU called for calm, discipline, and adherence to the law throughout the industrial action, emphasizing that the protest is aimed at securing fair treatment rather than disrupting national development.
