Gov’t pleads with Colleges of Education teachers to end strike

Government has appealed to the striking teachers of Colleges of Education to resume work with immediate effect, and return to the negotiation table to resolve the issues relating to their status.

The teachers have for the past four years been pushing for an upgrade of their current status to that of teachers of other tertiary institution to enable them enjoy the same benefit.

According to the teachers who form the College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana, the government has been dragging its feet unduly, hence their resort to strike on September 12.

However, Deputy Communications Minister wants the teachers to use the negotiation table to resolve all their grievances with the government.

“They are calling for recognition and proper placement on the pay structure. I don’t think this is an issue that should lead to an impasse. I will only appeal to them to go back to the negotiation table and negotiate the terms,” he told the teachers.

He expressed the hope that the respective ministries concerned with the issues of the teachers will swiftly intervene, adding, “government’s disposition is to hear them and take the necessary steps that will inure to the benefits of all parties”.

Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament for Akuapim South, Osei Bonsu Amoah has endorsed the agitation by the teachers on the basis that government has not been fair them.

“You have told them that probably you couldn’t be bothered, and they have bared their teeth. …For the past four years you have told them that they are part of tertiary teachers and yet they have not been migrated. Why do we have to wait for such a situation? “And you are saying that this is nothing new and they should not? No!” he said.