Tamale, Feb. 27, GNA - The Ghana Education Service (GES)has expressed concern about the erroneous impression being created that it does not take interest in the welfare of teachers, who return to the Service after pursuing courses in tertiary institutions. A press statement issued in Tamale on Friday and signed by Mr. Dominic Napare, Northern Regional Public Relations Officer, GES, explained that there are three categories of teachers who pursue courses at the tertiary level on annual basis.

There are teachers who are granted study leave with pay based on the study leave quota approved by the GES, while there are also teachers who are granted study leave without pay. The third category is teachers who vacate their posts and enter tertiary institutions without any formal approval from the GES, the statement explained.

It said teachers who go on study leave with pay are still employees of the Service. They are therefore posted immediately after their courses. Those who go on approved leave without pay are also re-engaged and posted to schools where their services are needed. The statement said such teachers, upon completion of their courses, also enjoy the same benefits like those who have been granted study leave with pay.

The GES stated however that the third category of teachers who vacate their posts and enter tertiary institutions can only be re-engaged when their services are needed. "The Service is therefore not under any strict obligation to re-engage them upon completion of their courses. "The Ghana Education Service would therefore like to advise all teachers to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations regarding the award of study leave, to avert any inconvenience and hardship," the statement said.