The President of the National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), Professor Samuel Atintono, has dismissed calls to close Colleges of Education amid the ongoing strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
The strike, which began on June 14, has led to widespread disruptions in academic activities across the country, prompting the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) to demand the temporary closure of the 46 affected colleges.
The strike, now in its 54th day, was initiated by CETAG in response to the government’s alleged failure to implement agreed-upon arbitral awards and address issues related to their conditions of service. As a result, most campuses have become deserted, with students returning home in frustration.
Despite the growing concerns and mounting pressure from TTAG, Professor Atintono made it clear that the decision to close the colleges is not up to the students and involves complex procedures. “We acknowledge the challenges the students are facing due to the strike, but the decision to shut down the institutions is not something that can be taken lightly,” he stated during an interview on 3FM’s Hot Edition.
READ ALSO: Kalybos Claims Juju Caused His First Car Accident in the Movie Industry
Professor Atintono assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to resolve the core issues that led to the strike, with particular emphasis on addressing salary disparities among CETAG members. He noted that the process to rectify these disparities began in July and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
In addition, Professor Francis K. E. Nunoo, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), reinforced PRINCOF’s stance, highlighting the significant financial implications that would result from closing the colleges. He stressed that such a measure is not a viable option at this stage.
Both PRINCOF and GTEC remain focused on finding a resolution to the ongoing strike, with the hope of restoring normal academic activities in the Colleges of Education soon.
Meanwhile, students are encouraged to remain patient as negotiations continue to resolve the standoff between CETAG and the government.
