Public Schools to be closed down

Authorities of some basic schools in the Ashanti Region are contemplating closing down following an indefinite strike by the Coalition of Concerned Teachers.

The teachers began the action Monday to back demand for improved service conditions, restoration of reduced salaries and resumption of negotiation on market premium.


The association is also seeking immediate release of capitation grant to all public basic schools and supply of teaching and learning materials.


The situation has left classrooms unattended to, compelling school heads to adopt ad-hoc measures keep academic work going.


General Secretary of the group, Raymond Boakye Dankwa, says over 50,000 members of the association will stay out of the classrooms until further notice.


Most schools Nhyira News visited had virtually been rendered dormant with the absence of many teachers.


The Asem Cluster of Schools and some other public schools at Bomso, Ahinsan and Oforikrom were hard hit.

At Asem M.A Boys School, for instance, only three out of 17 teachers were on duty.


Headmaster, Owusu Bempah says he would be compelled to close down the school if he gets the go-ahead from his superiors.


“I am not pleased with what is going on. I have 16 teachers including myself the headmaster making it 17. We have just three teachers in school today”, he said.


Meanwhile, the striking teachers say they will never return to the classroom until their demands are met.


Communications Director of the coalition, Ali Awudu, expressed satisfaction at the compliance level of the teachers.


But he pleaded with affected pupils to bear with the teachers.