Classes at Savanna College of Education in Daboya, Savannah Region, have been disrupted after roughly 170 teaching and non-teaching staff embarked on an indefinite sit-down strike. The strike has caused concern among stakeholders, including students and parents, who are worried about the impact on the academic calendar. The college, like others in Ghana, trains students to teach in basic and second-cycle schools.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has directed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to engage the striking workers in an effort to resolve the matter before it affects trainee teachers' studies any further. GTEC is responsible for regulating and overseeing tertiary institutions in Ghana, including colleges of education such as Savanna. Dr Apaak's directive was issued on the authority of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.
Dr Apaak has appealed directly to the affected staff to return to their posts while their grievances are looked into. In a statement, he urged the staff to consider the impact of their strike on the students and the education system as a whole. The Deputy Minister expressed hope that a resolution can be reached soon, allowing academic activities to resume.
A meeting between GTEC and the affected staff has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to discuss the concerns raised and work towards an amicable resolution. Dr Apaak said he expected the engagement to yield a positive outcome. The meeting is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the dispute and restoring normalcy to the college.
The specific grievances driving the strike have not been made public. It remains unclear whether the dispute centres on conditions of service, unpaid allowances, or other welfare issues. The lack of information has sparked speculation and concern among stakeholders, who are eager to see a resolution to the crisis.
The strike at Savanna College of Education has significant implications for the education sector in Ghana. Colleges of education play a critical role in training teachers, who are essential for the development of the country's education system. Any prolonged disruption at the Daboya campus could affect the academic calendar for trainee teachers, potentially impacting the quality of education in Ghana.
The situation at Savanna College of Education highlights the challenges facing Ghana's education sector, including issues related to staff welfare and working conditions. The outcome of the negotiations between GTEC and the striking staff will be closely watched by stakeholders, who are hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been directed to engage the striking staff at Savanna College of Education to resolve the matter.
- The strike has disrupted classes at the college, affecting the academic calendar for trainee teachers.
- A meeting between GTEC and the affected staff has been scheduled for November 3, 2026, to discuss the concerns raised and work towards a resolution.
