In a significant development within the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG), the National Executive Council (NEC) has officially suspended the President, Mr. Akparibo Benjamin of the Association of Teacher Trainees in the Colleges in the Northern Sector (ATTRICONS) for a period of three months. This suspension, effective from September 1, 2024, follows a series of actions by the Sector President that have been deemed a violation of the Association’s constitution and have raised serious concerns regarding the integrity and effectiveness of the Association’s leadership.
GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION
The suspension is primarily based on three key issues, each of which highlights a breach of the TTAG Constitution:
- Unilateral Communication with the Speaker of Parliament:
The Sector President is reported to have independently written a letter to the Speaker of Parliament without the requisite approval or knowledge of the Sector Executive Council (SEC) of ATTRICONS, the National Executive Council, and the National Secretariat of TTAG. This action contravenes Article 17, Clause 4 of the TTAG Constitution, and constitutes a breach of Article 44, Clause 2(a) and (b) of the same document. The constitution mandates that such communications should be carried out with collective knowledge and approval to maintain the integrity and unity of the Association.
- Damage to the Association’s Image:
The unilateral action taken by the Sector President has reportedly caused considerable ridicule to the image of TTAG and its leadership, both among its membership and the general public. This situation is seen as a violation of Article 44, Clause 2(e) and (f) of the TTAG Constitution, which underscores the importance of protecting the Association’s reputation and public perception.
- Doubt on Leadership Effectiveness:
The Sector President’s actions have cast doubts on the effectiveness, commitment, and integrity of the leadership at various levels, including the Sector Executive Council, the National Executive Council, and the National Secretariat of TTAG. Such doubts undermine the collective leadership structure and could potentially disrupt the smooth operation and governance of the Association.
Consequences and Expectations
As a result of these infractions, the NEC has mandated the following actions:
– Handover of Association Assets: The suspended Sector President is required to hand over all Association assets to the Sector Coordinator within seventy-two (72) hours of receiving the suspension notice.
– Relinquishment of Duties: The Sector President must relinquish all duties and responsibilities associated with the position for the duration of the suspension.
Attached is the person in question
During this period, the NEC has urged the suspended President to reflect on the actions that led to this disciplinary measure. The NEC has emphasized the importance of recommitting to the values and principles of the TTAG Constitution, which are vital for maintaining the unity and effectiveness of the Association.
Monitoring and Future Conduct
The NEC has made it clear that the conduct of the suspended President, both on and off media platforms, will be closely monitored throughout the suspension period. The previous actions of the Sector President were seen as an attempt to create a misleading public narrative about the Association, further exacerbating the situation. Any further behavior that contradicts the principles of TTAG could result in additional disciplinary measures.
The NEC hopes that this suspension will serve as a moment of introspection and that the Sector President will use this time to demonstrate a renewed commitment to upholding the constitution and conventions that guide TTAG.
Conclusion
This suspension underscores the NEC’s dedication to ensuring that all members of TTAG adhere strictly to the Association’s constitution and uphold the highest standards of leadership and integrity. The Association remains committed to its mission of supporting teacher trainees across Ghana, and it is crucial that its leadership reflects the values and principles that TTAG stands for.
As this situation continues to unfold, the NEC and the wider TTAG membership will be looking for positive signs of reconciliation and adherence to the constitutional framework that governs the Association.
Attached is the letter of suspension from the association
For further information or inquiries, please contact:
– Lala Victor, General Secretary
Phone: +233 (0) 546 700 995
– Soale Razak, President
Phone: +233 (0) 547 308 632
This article comprehensively details the incident, explaining the rationale behind the suspension and the expectations set by the NEC.
