Ferdinand | EducationGhana | June 6 | Over 250 College Lecturers Affected by Salary Downgrades Amid Tertiary Education Reforms, CETAG Seeks Resolution
More than 250 lecturers in Ghana’s Colleges of Education have reportedly experienced salary downgrades following tertiary education reforms. CETAG says it is engaging authorities to address concerns and ensure fair remuneration.
CETAG Assures Affected Lecturers of Ongoing Engagements
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has assured over 250 lecturers affected by salary downgrades that it is actively engaging relevant authorities to resolve the matter.
According to the association, the affected lecturers have raised concerns about reductions in salary levels and the loss of certain benefits following changes introduced under Ghana’s tertiary education reform and migration processes.
The development has generated anxiety among affected staff, many of whom argue that the new salary structure places them at a disadvantage compared to colleagues with similar responsibilities and academic qualifications.
Salary Downgrades Linked to Migration and Job Evaluation Exercise
Speaking on the issue, CETAG General Secretary, Fidelis Kamaayi, explained that the situation emerged after the migration of Colleges of Education staff onto a revised tertiary education salary structure and the subsequent job evaluation process.
According to him, some lecturers holding qualifications such as Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees were placed on lower salary grades than their counterparts with MPhil qualifications.
He noted that before the migration exercise, affected lecturers were on similar salary levels with their colleagues but were later reassessed and assigned lower grades under the new structure.
“We were all at the same level when we were on the Colleges of Education payroll. But when the migration was done and then job evaluation and other things were reassessed, they were placed lower than they used to be,” he explained.
Equal Work Should Attract Equal Pay
CETAG argues that the current arrangement contradicts the labour principle of equal pay for equal work.
The association maintains that lecturers performing similar duties should receive comparable remuneration regardless of differences in qualification classifications created during the migration process.
Mr. Kamaayi stressed that the union remains committed to securing a fair outcome for all affected members.
“Per the Labour Act, we have what we call equal work for equal pay, so they are supposed to be remunerated the same,” he stated.
Union Calls for Calm Among Members
While acknowledging the frustrations of affected lecturers, CETAG has urged members to remain calm as discussions continue.
The association says it is pursuing all available administrative and institutional channels to ensure that concerns regarding placement and remuneration are adequately addressed.
Union leaders believe constructive engagement with government agencies and education sector stakeholders remains the most effective path toward a lasting solution.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
The issue highlights ongoing challenges associated with Ghana’s tertiary education reforms and the harmonisation of salary structures across public higher education institutions.
Labour experts have often cautioned that migration exercises and job evaluation processes must be carefully managed to prevent disparities that could affect staff morale, productivity, and retention within the education sector.
As negotiations continue, affected lecturers are expected to monitor developments closely while awaiting the outcome of discussions between CETAG and the relevant authorities.
Related Education Sector Developments
The concerns emerge at a time when the education sector is also addressing teacher professionalisation and licensing issues. Recent reports indicate that more than 100,000 non-professional teachers may face compliance challenges if they do not obtain the required professional certification from the National Teaching Council (NTC).
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