Pupils from various public schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana have appealed to the government to urgently address the concerns of striking teachers. The appeal was made when the Ghana News Agency visited some schools in the metropolis on Monday morning. Many classrooms were empty, with only a few pupils seen on the school compounds as no academic activities were taking place. The industrial action was declared by the Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union.
A visit to some of the schools showed that pupils had been reporting to school since Friday but had been left idle due to the absence of their teachers. Some pupils expressed concern that the continued absence of their teachers could negatively affect their studies, particularly their preparation for upcoming end-of-term examinations. The pupils therefore appealed to the government, the Ministry of Education, and the leadership of the teacher unions to engage in constructive dialogue and reach an agreement to enable teachers to return to the classroom.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union declared the industrial action due to unresolved concerns. Among the issues raised by the teachers are the placement of promoted teachers, payment of the 20 per cent Deprived Area Allowance, and the signing of a new Collective Agreement. The teachers in the region have maintained that they would not return to the classroom until their outstanding demands are addressed.
The strike has affected schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, with many pupils left idle. The pupils are worried about the impact of the strike on their education. The government and the leadership of the teacher unions are urged to find a solution to the impasse. The Ministry of Education is yet to comment on the issue.
The strike by teachers has become a recurring issue in Ghana's education sector. The teacher unions have been demanding better working conditions, including the payment of allowances and the signing of a new Collective Agreement. The government has been working to address some of the concerns, but the teacher unions remain adamant that their demands must be met.
The Kumasi Metropolis is not the only region affected by the strike. Schools in other parts of the country are also affected, with pupils left idle. The government is under pressure to find a solution to the impasse, which has affected the education of thousands of pupils.
The pupils in the Kumasi Metropolis are hopeful that the government and the leadership of the teacher unions will engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution to the impasse. They are eager to return to their normal academic routine and prepare for their upcoming end-of-term examinations.
Key points
- The pupils in the Kumasi Metropolis are urging the government to address the concerns of striking teachers to enable them to return to school.
- The strike has affected schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, with many pupils left idle and worried about the impact on their education.
- The teacher unions have declared the industrial action due to unresolved concerns, including the placement of promoted teachers and the payment of allowances.
