students plead with stakeholders to resolve teachers’ impasse

Final year students of the Bishop Herman Senior High School (BIHECO) on Saturday pleaded with their striking teachers to re-consider their decision and assist them complete their examinations without further hitches.

They, however, appealed to government and other related bodies in the impasse to fulfil their side of the bargain to curtail actions that could jeopardise their academic progression and future well-being.

The students visibly appalled by the stalemate said the strike was affecting their psyche and the earlier it was resolved the better for them.

Three teacher associations, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU), announced the nationwide strike based on their conditions of service. The strike started on March 18, 2013.

Master Samuel Ofori, Assistant House One prefect asked the Ghana News Agency (GNA) whether the invigilators government had recruited for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination would also mark their papers.

“I am pleading with the government, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Ghana Education Service and others to resolve the impasse expeditiously, so we can have the mental fortitude to write our exams,” he said.

Master Lawrence Agbesi, a final year student, said the strike also affected their mock exams discussions, which had made them nervous as they face the WASSCE.