Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees Ghana, has appealed to the teaching staff of all Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) to call off their industrial strike action.
They explained that the strike had placed all academic activities to a halt, bringing unprecedented crises to many students.
Ms Janifer Ametepe, the Public Relations Officer of the group, in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency, GNA said the educational journey of all teacher trainees was at a standstill, which could put the future of the nation at stake.
“Without our tutors, accessing vital course materials and self-studying has become increasingly difficult.”
She insisted their academic calendar was in disarray and the crucial assessments had been postponed indefinitely.
Ms Ametepe said there was a financial burden on final-year students, especially those in rented apartments “because the In-In-Out policy system was overwhelming, which affected their mental health and well-being.”
She stated that several activities were in limbo since students could not determine whether to stay on campus or return home, whilst academic activities had stalled, jeopardising the lives of future teachers.
“We ask for a redress of the CETAG strike so it will be called off. We are also appealing for upholding of the stipulated academic calendar and a commitment to prioritise the need of teacher trainees with financial support.”
She lamented that if the government could not resolve the issues immediately, students would have to request that the colleges be closed to enable them to return home.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ordered the Controller and Accountant General to uphold the July salary for all striking Colleges of Education teachers.
Mr Dorwu Edem Ismail, CETAG Chairman, at the Akatsi College of Education (Akatsico Chapter), told the GNA that the group was not ready to return to work until all their demands were met for productive academic activities to continue.
A visit by the GNA team to the Akatsi College of Education saw some final-year students engaged in private and group studies whilst others packed out from their respective hostels after the strike action was announced.
Source: GNA
