The Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana (CCTTG) has called for immediate action to resolve the ongoing crisis affecting all Colleges of Education across the country stemming from the strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
The group, in a statement, pointed out that the strike, which began five weeks ago, has brought academic activities in the 46 Colleges of Education (CoEs) to a complete halt, leaving thousands of teacher trainees in turmoil.
“As a result of this strike action, we, teacher trainees are faced with an unprecedented crisis and misgivings. Our educational journey is at a standstill and the future of teacher education and Ghana’s development is at risk. The ongoing strike has left teacher trainees of the 46 colleges of Education in chaos, stranded and uncertain about our futures”.
Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana
The group statement further indicated that the prolonged absence of tutors has rendered access to essential course materials and outlines nearly impossible for trainees, significantly hindering any attempt at self-study.
According to the group, the academic calendar of the various Colleges of Education is in shambles, with crucial assessments indefinitely postponed.
Key Challenges Faced by Teacher Trainees
Highlighting the key challenges facing teacher trainees’ students across the country due to CETAG’s prolonged strike action, the Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana, pointed out that several teacher trainees are in limbo, unsure whether to stay on campus or return home, adding to their stress and confusion.
The group also lamented that the interruption in academic activities by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana’s strike action could jeopardize their progress and future as qualified teachers.
Additionally, the group decried the financial burden, the strike action has imposed on students especially on final-year students, as many are incurring additional financial burdens due to the need to rent apartments under the “IN-IN-OUT system”.
This, the statement indicated is exacerbating their mental health and well-being as students.
CCTTG’s Urgent Appeals
The Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana (CCTTG), in a fervent call to action, urged the government, stakeholders, and well-meaning Ghanaians to intervene and resolve the impasse.
They underscore that quality education necessitates quality teachers, and the future of Ghana hinges on this resolution.
Their specific demands include resolving the issues that led to the strike to facilitate its immediate cessation, and ensuring that the academic schedule is adhered to, preventing further disruptions.
Again, the Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana urged the government to commit to the needs of Colleges of Education to maintain the integrity of teacher training, and in addition, assist teacher trainees facing financial hardships due to the ongoing crisis.
Demands for Immediate Government Action
If the government cannot swiftly resolve the above concerns or issues, the Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana demanded that the Colleges of Education should be closed, and students allowed to return home, given the 21 days without academic engagement.
The group also called for the reconsideration of the “IN-IN-OUT system” for final-year trainees, whose tenancy agreements are set to expire in October, aligning with the academic calendar.
In rallying support, the Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees implored all teacher trainees and other concerned bodies to unite in their plea to save their education and secure Ghana’s future.
They stressed that enduring this uncertainty is untenable and that collective action is necessary to effect change.
“Together, we can make a difference”, the statement ended.
The crisis at the Colleges of Education, without a scintilla of doubt, represents a significant threat to the country’s educational framework.
The resolution of this issue is not only crucial for the immediate academic progress of the trainees but also for the long-term quality of education in Ghana.
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