PRETAG Demands Better Conditions of Service for Teachers and Rejects Utility Tariff Increments

 PRETAG Calls for Improved Teacher Welfare and Rejects Utility Tariff Hike

The Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association (PRETAG), previously known as the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, is urging the government to urgently enhance the welfare and working conditions of teachers across the country.

According to PRETAG’s Central Regional Secretary, Mr. Amoako Amos, educators continue to receive inadequate compensation despite their critical role in national development. He noted that many teachers struggle to support themselves and their families due to low pay and worsening economic pressures.

Mr. Amos expressed deep concern over the recent hike in utility prices announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), which took effect on May 3. Electricity costs rose by 14.75%, while water tariffs increased by 4.02%. He appealed to President John Mahama to intervene and ensure a reduction in these new charges.

He warned that these hikes would further strain teachers who are already battling stagnant wages and a high cost of living. To help cushion the impact, he proposed that the government immediately introduce a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for teachers in 2025.

Mr. Amos also highlighted the growing trend of teachers leaving the country in search of better job opportunities, a situation he described as alarming. He stressed that the departure of skilled educators poses a serious threat to both the education sector and national progress.

He concluded by urging the government to address the core issues affecting teachers. “If the leadership truly wants to ‘reset’ the nation, they must start by fixing the challenges teachers face. If not, we will continue to lose them to other countries,” he said.