Legon SRC calls for holistic approach to education problems

Accra, May 16, GNA - Mr Ken Gomado, President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Ghana, on Tuesday called on government to take a holistic approach to the numerous problems facing tertiary education in the country.

He said this would halt the rampant disruptions in the academic calendar caused by strike actions and help raise the standard of education to fulfil the vision of the government.

Mr Gomado was speaking at a press conference in Accra to discuss the fate of students during the week-long strike embarked upon by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).

"As much as we acknowledge the present economic realities of the country, we cannot run away from the appalling conditions under which our lecturers serve the nation".

Mr Gomado said a full professor's monthly salary of 600,000 cedis "is nothing to write home about" and must be reviewed to ensure better service and a better human resource development.

He said in as much as they support UTAG in their action they cannot stand to be used as "sacrificial lambs" and demanded that any student who misses an interim assessment due to the strike must be given the opportunity to write it again.

Mr Gomado also appealed to the University authorities to come out with the user fee for the next academic year to forestall the turbulent scenes that characterised this academic year. He said though students are yet to realise the impact of the residential and academic facility user fees, they deserve to have an early notice of any further increment. He appealed to the government to make education its priority.