The nationwide teachers' strike, now in its second day, has severely affected schools across Ghana, with the historic Wa Model Primary School in the Upper West Region being a notable example. Established in 1917, Wa Model Primary School is the oldest school in the Wa Municipality and has produced notable alumni, including the late former Finance Minister, Prof. Kwesi Botchwey, and Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams. On this day, the school appeared deserted, with only a handful of pupils present on the compound.
A visit to the school by JoyNews revealed that out of hundreds of pupils expected to be in school, only a little over two dozen were scattered across the compound, engaging in various leisure activities such as idling, roaming, and biking. Many pupils had already gone home, leaving only the headteacher, Payne Puazaga, a teacher on duty, and two teacher trainees to oversee the few who had reported to school. The classrooms remained locked, and school food vendors had also stayed away in solidarity with the strike.
The strike has forced pupils to find alternative ways to occupy their time. Some pupils mentioned that they had to trek a quarter of a kilometer in search of food since the school vendors were not present. One primary pupil expressed the situation, stating, "No master in the school. We are going to buy food. The vendors are not in. No teachers are there." This situation highlights the immediate impact of the strike on the daily lives of pupils.
For Junior High School learners, the strike has presented an opportunity for free movement and socializing. A female JHS learner noted that without teachers at school, students now have the freedom to visit their friends at other schools. This unplanned holiday has turned into a social event for some students, who are making the most of their free time.
However, not all students are pleased with the situation. Abubakari Issa Fahim, a Form One student of Wa Municipal Model JHS, expressed concern that the strike would adversely affect their studies. He called on the government to address the teachers' concerns, stating, "Government did not pay our teachers and they are going on strike. Some of the students have not come, they have gone home. It will affect us a lot. They have to teach us, now they do not want to teach us. We want government to do what the teachers are asking for."
The strike's impact is not limited to Wa Model Primary School, as it is part of a nationwide action by teacher unions. The situation remains uncertain as parents and pupils anxiously wait for a resolution. The government and teacher unions are expected to meet to discuss the concerns that led to the strike, including issues related to promotions and payments.
As the strike continues, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders are urging teachers to return to class while negotiations are ongoing. The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is set to meet with teacher unions on October 6, and there are hopes that a resolution will be reached soon to minimize further disruption to the academic calendar.
Key points
- The nationwide teachers' strike has significantly impacted schools across Ghana.
- Wa Model Primary School, a historic institution in the Upper West Region, has been severely affected.
- The strike has disrupted the academic activities of thousands of pupils, with many forced to stay home or find alternative ways to occupy their time.
