Concerned teachers in the Ashanti Region have welcomed the proposed extension of basic school hours from 2pm to 4pm.

At a National Education Sector Review forum in Accra, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh proposed as part of reforms for the sector, the revision of closing hours from the current 2 pm to 4 pm to enable parents to pick up their wards after work.

The extension of the closing time for pupils at first cycle institutions attracted some mixed reactions from some parents and guardians after the hint by the Minister.

A statement issued and signed by Mr Richard Boahen, Chairman and Mr Richard Asante, Spokesperson, Principal Superintendent of Education and Assistant Directors of Education respectively, said teachers are prepared to teach for such extra hours, but reminded the minister to also make adequate preparation towards provisions of additional allowances.

They argued that same will apply in their case as parents as a result of the move, hence it will demand that they also seek the services of other people to pick up their wards from private schools where they close by 2pm or 3pm and cater for them after school.

They said, under the shift system one class used two teachers for morning and afternoon classes and government paid both of them when they closed at 5pm.

According to the group, any attempt by the ministry to introduce such extension without considering the provision of adequate allowances will render teachers as babysitters and such decision will be resisted lawfully.

The statement advised government to ensure that the free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) be enforced to deter basic schools from taking fees from the pupils.

They also asked government to fill the vacancies in the various basic schools due to the six years embargo on employment by the NDC government which is still in force.