Schools shut down, exams postponed due to strike

The ongoing strike action by teachers across the country has forced education authorities in the Ashanti region to close down all schools there.

Members of the two main teacher organisations - Ghana National Association of Teachers [GNAT] and the National Association of Graduate Teachers [NAGRAT] - are staying away from the classrooms in protest against what they say is discrimination by the government.

The teachers are demanding total review of their condition of service including an upward review of their retention allowance which is currently 15 percent of their basic salary.

The teachers have also refused to comply with a directive by the National Labour Commission to return to the classroom while negotiations continue.

Nhyira FM’s Ohemeng Tawiah reported on the Midday News on Joy FM Tuesday that, many of the schools he visited in the Kumasi metropolis, have shut down due to the strike by the teachers.

He indicated, there were no teachers at the Abuakwa and Asem cluster of schools as well as Asonomanso D/A Primary and Junior High School, while some of the pupils said they have been told not to report to school on Wednesday.

Consequently, end of term examinations have also been suspended by the authorities, at the Gyaakye Pramso Senior High School and Kumasi Girls Senior High School. Mock examinations at Ohemeng Tawiah reported.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service says it may be difficult to sanction teachers currently on strike if their action is prolonged, because of legalities associated with the current impasse.

Deputy Director General of the GES, Steven Adu, told Joy News, any action to that effect will be informed by advice from the lawyers of the GES.

Mr. Adu said his outfit is therefore fast-tracking administrative work to ensure outstanding issues are quickly addressed so that strike will not be prolonged.

But Head of Salaries at GNAT, Benjamin Osei said the teachers cannot trust the GES which has often reneged on its promises, stressing that they will no longer allow their members to be taken for granted.