Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has reiterated that the government will persist in appealing to striking teachers to return to the classroom as negotiations addressing their concerns continue. Dr. Apaak emphasised that the government is not being confrontational and fully recognises the reasons behind the ongoing industrial action.
“Pleading is not a crime. As long as the teachers remain out of the classroom, we will keep appealing to them,” Dr. Apaak stated on Eyewitness News on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The strike, now in its second week, has left students at home and revolves around three main issues: delayed payment of promotion benefits, the proposed allowance for deprived rural areas, and the renewal of the teachers’ collective agreement.
Dr. Apaak acknowledged the crucial role teachers play and assured that the government is committed to resolving the outstanding matters while urging educators to resume their duties. “We are not being antagonistic. We are not disputing their demands. At no point have we said their concerns are unjustified,” he stressed.
He added that the government is particularly worried about the impact on teaching and learning and is intensifying efforts to end the strike. “We will continue to supplicate and to plead earnestly with our teachers to return to the classroom as we address their valid concerns,” Dr. Apaak said.
He declined to provide specifics about the ongoing negotiations, noting that it would be inappropriate to disclose details while discussions are in progress. However, he mentioned that the government expects movement on the issues at hand, including the processing of promotion-related payments for affected teachers.
