Minister appeals to teachers to remain calm

Obuasi, Dec 03, GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports has advised against the use of violence in solving problems in the country's educational institutions.

Mr. Baah-Wiredu, who was addressing the teaching staff of the Obuasi Secondary Technical School as part of his working visit to Obuasi on Monday, "we have a problem in our society that violence is the best way to solve problems."

Most of the staff are not at peace with the headmaster, Nana James Oppong, and have sent a 26-point resolution against him to the Minister.

Mr. Baah-Wiredu told the staff: "violence never solves problems."

He stressed the need for both masters and the headmaster to tolerate each other adding, "We need to have respect for each other."

Mr Baah Wiredu reminded the masters that they are transferring knowledge to the next generation and that they have to appreciate peaceful co-existence.

"Let us use the existing channels to address problems," he said.

Mr Baah-Wiredu assured them that their resolution against the headmaster is being studied and that some of the issues raised in it would be embodied in a general policy the ministry is developing.

During an open forum, a master expressed fears that his salary might delay since for one year some of his colleagues have not been paid their salaries.

The Minister gave the assurance that the Ministry had taken serious view of the delays in teachers salaries and that efforts are being made to solve all outstanding arrears.