The Ministry of Education has assured students and the public that Colleges of Education across Ghana will remain open, even as the strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG) enters its 65th day.
This comes amidst growing concerns from students and the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG), who have called for the cancellation of the current academic calendar due to the prolonged disruption in teaching.
TTAG, in a statement to the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education-Ghana (PRINCOF) on August 9, recommended that examinations be postponed and the semester restructured, arguing that the nearly two-month absence of academic activities has rendered the current semester unworkable.
With only three weeks left in the semester, the trainees believe it would be unfair to proceed as if nothing has happened.
READ ALSO:PRINCOF Rejects Calls for College Closures Amid CETAG Strike, Focuses on Resolving Issues
However, the Ministry of Education is standing firm in its decision to keep the colleges operational. Deputy Education Minister, John Ntim Fordjour, in an interview with JoyNews, urged CETAG members to return to work to facilitate a resolution.
“I appeal to the teachers to resume their duties so that we can work towards a solution together. The students need to be patient as we continue our efforts to engage all parties involved. Learning must continue, and we are committed to finding a way forward,” he said.
Despite the ministry’s reassurances, the situation on the ground paints a different picture. Many students, frustrated by the lack of progress, have begun leaving their campuses, choosing to return home rather than endure the uncertainty and additional costs associated with staying. The financial burden, particularly the rising cost of food, has become too much for many students, some of whom have stated that they will only return once the strike is over.
One student shared, “Staying on campus is just too expensive now. It’s better for us to go home and come back when the lecturers return.”
The strike, which began on June 14, was sparked by CETAG’s demands for better working conditions and pay.
The teachers are calling for the government to implement the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders, which include a month’s salary for additional duties carried out in 2022, and for allowances similar to those paid to public university lecturers.
As negotiations continue, the Ministry of Education remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached soon to bring an end to the strike and restore normalcy to the academic calendar.
