Gifty Twum Ampofo, the deputy Education Minister in charge of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has fervently urged the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to end its current strike action and enter into a constructive negotiation with the government to address its issues.
CETAG members from all 46 training colleges have been on strike since August 1, citing the government’s failure to adhere to the National Labour Commission (NLC)’s Arbitral Award Orders and the negotiated conditions of service since May 2, 2023. Despite repeated notices sent to the Ministry of Finance, the agreed-upon negotiations have not yet been implemented, leading to the continued impasse.
However, Deputy Education Minister, Gifty Twum Ampofo addressed the matter and informed the CETAG members that the Sector Minister is tirelessly trying to answer their legitimate concerns.
She underlined the value of teamwork and open communication, while she spoke at the Mount Mary College of Education’s 14th Congregation in Somanya, Eastern Region.
“I am appealing to them that the minister is working tirelessly to get it resolved. We appeal that it should come back to the negotiation table and let us get a lasting solution. It is an appeal because all agencies or heads of all agencies responsible for these negotiations are working tirelessly to ensure that within the shortest possible time, this will be resolved.
“And you know in negotiations, all of us must soften our stance. So, we’re appealing that let’s soften stance to ensure that we get to a wonderful conclusion.”
Gifty Twum Ampofo
The standoff between the government and CETAG, according to the Principal of Mount Mary College of Education, Dr. Cecelia Esinam Agbeh, is adversely hurting the College’s operations, which in turn has an impact on teaching and learning.
In order to avoid any negative effects, she encouraged the Ministry of Education to resolve to addressing the concerns of CETAG immediately. “We wish to make a passionate appeal to the ministry to come to our aid by helping to resolve the issues with the CETAG to forestall any adverse effects,” she said.
In order to meet the college’s expanding needs, Dr. Agbeh also urged the Ministry of Finance to grant financial approval for the hiring of teaching and non-teaching staff.
CETAG To Meet NLC Over Ongoing Strike
Following the group’s two-week strike, the CETAG leadership said it will honor a meeting with the National Labour Commission (NLC) on Wednesday, August 16.
Prince Obeng Himah, the President of CETAG, stated that they will approach the meeting with an open mind.
“We have been consistent from day one. We are honoring the meeting and our expectations will be that, NLC will be geared towards enforcing its own laws or getting the government to comply with the directives. We do not want to go in within perceived minds. But we are clear, that will be our expectation going into that meeting.”
Prince Obeng Himah
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