The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has addressed the demands made by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) for the closure of all colleges of education, issuing a response to the calls for action.
Earlier, on June 14, CETAG embarked on a nationwide strike, citing the government’s alleged failure to honor the arbitral awards and address the outstanding conditions of service for its members.
In a statement released on August 16th, 2024, the Commission denied having reached a conclusion to close the colleges of education and further emphasized that it has not received any directive from the Minister of Education to do so.
As a result, GTEC has instructed that the status quo be maintained, and all 46 Colleges of Education should continue to function normally until further instructions are given.
“The attention of GTEC has been drawn to numerous requests on the need for the closure of the 46 colleges of education in lieu of the impending strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG)”.
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)
GTEC added that, as previously reported, 20 institutions have already been migrated as of today, with the goal of completing the migration of all 46 institutions by the end of the month.
The Commission further stated that the research allowance top-up has been disbursed to 44 colleges of education, with the exception of McCoy and Dambai, which are experiencing technical difficulties that need to be addressed.
GTEC announced that the all-year-round payment, a contentious issue that led to CETAG’s strike, has been initiated on the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
This move, the Commission enables the Ministry of Finance to issue a release letter and specific warrant, paving the way for payment to be made as soon as possible.
GTEC Awaits Minister’s Directive On August Salaries
Furthermore, GTEC added that it awaits directives from the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, regarding the payment of August salaries, and will promptly communicate these instructions once received.
The Commission also noted that financial implications are associated with either closing the schools or keeping them open, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.
GTEC indicated that it is currently engaging in discussions with the Honorable Minister of Education to secure financial clearance for the recruitment of 2,500 teaching staff.
This move, the Commission asserted, aims to augment the current workforce, enabling academic activities to commence as soon as possible, while simultaneously working with CETAG to address their concerns.
“GTEC will communicate to you the modalities with which this urgent staff recruitment will be expedited as soon as the clearance is provided. [GTEC is] counting on your usual cooperation”.
hana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)
Meanwhile, CETAG has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the strike until the government addresses its Book and Research Allowance (BRA) demands, condemning the government’s alleged lack of concern for their welfare.
Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, Ranking Member of the Education Committee, solidly backed CETAG, stressing that the key to resolving the ongoing standoff rests with the government meeting its commitments and honoring its responsibilities.
Hon. Nortsu-Kotoe emphasized that the Education Committee’s position is for the government to promptly honor the arbitration award granted to CETAG members, which has been outstanding since last year.
In the interim, Deputy Education Minister John Ntim Fordjour assured that the Ministry is working tirelessly to address the concerns of CETAG, leaving no stone unturned to resolve the issues.
He also made a passionate appeal to CETAG to call off the strike and resume teaching, allowing students to return to their studies without further disruption.
Meanwhile, students in the affected colleges are proceeding with their practical courses without the necessary guidance and oversight from lecturers, as the strike continues to disrupt normal academic activities.
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