The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has raised concerns over the ongoing strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG).
According to him, it is negatively affecting academic activities across the country.
CETAG declared a strike on Monday, November 24, citing the government’s failure to fully implement the Association’s 2023 Conditions of Service and the persistent delay in acting on the National Labour Commission’s arbitral award issued on May 2, 2024.
Speaking at an event in Accra on December 19, where 20 vehicles were handed over to selected Colleges of Education, Minister Iddrisu said discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to address the teachers’ grievances.
“I understand that CETAG is still on strike. We need industrial peace and harmony on the campuses of learning,” he said.
The minister emphasised the impact of prolonged strikes on students’ career development, noting, “When you prolong your strike action, it does affect career planning and the career path development of the young people.”
On efforts to resolve the matter, Minister Iddrisu said, “I discussed with Finance Minister Ato Forson, and even this morning I woke up to the same matter. We are mobilising the 41 million to pay, so it is not as if we are not committed to paying.”
He also highlighted recent progress in paying teachers’ allowances: “Last month, when teachers didn’t get some allowances, they should celebrate President Mahama. We’ve paid the allowances, and any of you who went to take your salary this month, those two outstanding allowances that were not paid by the controller have been settled.”
The vehicles, according to the minister, are intended to improve mobility and operational efficiency across the colleges.
“As part of President Mahama’s reset, we intend to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the heads of institutions, particularly in your monitoring and supervision role. I should thank the Director-General of GTEC, and in particular also GETFUND, for supporting this initiative,” he said.
Minister Iddrisu further disclosed that the initial plan was to hand over 46 vehicles, but due to resource constraints, only 20 could be distributed this time. “So 20 colleges of education will benefit from this batch,” he added.
The Board Chairman of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Mahama Duwiejua, commended the government for the initiative, saying the vehicles would significantly contribute to quality education by enabling principals and students to engage with their communities.
Mr Iddrisu concluded with a word of caution: “I want to make one appeal: as you take these vehicles, please, take good care of them. I’m told there are new cars with twin-turbo engines that may require special attention. Take notice of that and maintain them well.”