The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has alerted its members to prepare for disappointment as government signals it may not fulfil key promises in the expired collective agreement this year.

Addressing a press conference, NAGRAT National President Jacob Anaba said the union’s collective agreement expired in June 2026 and negotiations have stalled.

“We had a meeting, the first meeting, on the 8th of June, and we were expecting a subsequent meeting to complete the negotiation, but unfortunately we were not invited,” he stated.

Mr Anaba said the union became alarmed after the Vice President, Prof Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, told the National Labour Conference that: “Labour shouldn't expect a major change in our collective agreement.”

That position, he said, was confirmed today in a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

“When they told us that, it means that all the promises that the president had made when he was a presidential candidate cannot be fulfilled,” he said.

According to NAGRAT, the affected promises include:

1. Promotion of teachers from Deputy Director to Director 2 and Director 1

2. 20% Deprived Area Allowance for teachers serving in deprived communities  

3. Accommodation support for teachers in those communities

“So, it means these promises cannot be fulfilled this year. So, we thought it wise to inform our members,” Mr. Anaba said.

The NAGRAT president said the union is using its channels to inform members “that they should brace themselves and get ready.

“We are not happy with the outcome of what we were engaging, but they have asked us to come next week. But we are reassured in our commitment to ensure that the right thing is done. And then, also, we are asking government to ensure that these promises that were made are fulfilled.”

“If you made a promise, you need to fulfil it for your members to still have trust in you,” he added.

When asked about possible industrial action if government fails, Mr Anaba said NAGRAT will first seek further dialogue.  

“If there is a failure, we have to come to the table and have a discussion and see how. It depends on the level and the manner of failure that will occur... We cannot be conclusive, but teachers' issues are peculiar. They are different from all other workers. So, that is all we are demanding for,” he explained.

He said the union will wait for next week’s meeting with Fair Wages before taking a final position.