The Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) has issued a fervent appeal to the government and other key stakeholders to resolve the ongoing industrial actions by teacher unions. The strikes have disrupted academic activities across the country, leaving students frustrated and uncertain about their educational future.
The call comes in the wake of the protracted strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), which began on January 2, 2025, and has now stretched into its third month. Additionally, the Colleges of Education Non-Teaching Staff Association of Ghana (CENTSAG) has announced plans to commence their strike on January 13, further compounding the situation.
Widespread Impact of Strikes
The CETAG strike has left academic schedules in disarray, particularly for students in Ghana's 46 colleges of education. Many have expressed deep frustration over the inability to attend classes and the lack of guidance in their coursework. Level 400 students, who are expected to undertake macro-teaching practice as part of their curriculum, have been left to navigate this critical exercise without supervision due to the ongoing industrial action.
The impending CENTSAG strike is expected to exacerbate the challenges, as non-teaching staff play a vital role in administrative and operational functions within the colleges.
Reopening Date Postponed
In response to the crisis, the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) has announced a revised reopening date for the 2024/2025 academic year. Initially set for January 15, the date has now been pushed to January 27, 2025. PRINCOF explained that the decision was made to allow time for the resolution of the strikes and to ensure a conducive environment for academic activities to resume.
However, this postponement has done little to quell the concerns of teacher trainees, who fear further delays if the disputes are not resolved promptly.
TTAG President Speaks Out
Speaking to Citi News, the President of TTAG, Soale Razak, highlighted the adverse effects of the strikes on the academic progress of teacher trainees. He urged the government and union leaders to expedite negotiations to restore normalcy in the colleges.
“The CETAG strike and now the CENTSAG strike are affecting us as students. Teaching and learning are unfortunately on hold. We still have Level 400 students engaged in macro-teaching practice without any supervision because CETAG is on strike,” Razak lamented.
He also expressed hope that the CENTSAG strike would not drag on indefinitely, emphasizing the importance of their duties in maintaining the smooth operation of the colleges.
“For CENTSAG, we hope that they will call off their strike by the 27th so that they will be able to resume their other duties,” he added.
The Root of the Crisis
The strikes by CETAG and CENTSAG stem from grievances over unresolved issues, including salary disparities, conditions of service, and delays in allowances. Both unions have accused the government of failing to honor previous agreements and have vowed to continue their industrial actions until their demands are met.
CETAG, in particular, has cited the government’s delay in implementing agreed-upon salary adjustments and other benefits as the primary reason for their strike. Similarly, CENTSAG has raised concerns about the non-payment of arrears and the lack of adequate resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Calls for Resolution
The TTAG has joined other stakeholders in calling for swift action to address the issues at hand. The association emphasized the need for constructive dialogue between the government and the unions to find a lasting solution.
“Education is the backbone of any nation, and disruptions like these only serve to weaken the foundation,” Razak noted. “We urge all parties involved to prioritize the future of students and the nation by resolving these disputes quickly.”
Stakeholders’ Reactions
Parents and guardians of teacher trainees have also voiced their concerns, urging the government to intervene and bring an end to the strikes. Many fear that prolonged disruptions could have long-term consequences for their wards’ education and career prospects.
“We are worried about our children’s future. The government and the unions must come together and resolve this issue. The students are the ones suffering the most,” said a concerned parent.
Civil society organizations and education advocacy groups have also weighed in, calling for a collaborative approach to resolve the crisis. They stressed the importance of honoring agreements and fostering trust between the government and the unions to prevent future occurrences.
Broader Implications
The ongoing strikes have reignited debates about the challenges facing Ghana’s education sector. Experts have pointed to systemic issues such as inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and delays in fulfilling financial obligations as key factors contributing to the unrest.
Dr. Benjamin Agyemang, an education analyst, noted that while industrial actions are often a last resort for unions, they highlight deeper issues that need to be addressed comprehensively.
“Strikes are symptomatic of underlying problems in the education system. Addressing these issues requires a long-term strategy that prioritizes investment in education and the welfare of educators,” he said.
Hope for a Resolution
Despite the challenges, there is optimism that the ongoing negotiations between the government and the unions will yield positive results. Both CETAG and CENTSAG have expressed a willingness to return to work if their concerns are addressed satisfactorily.
In the meantime, TTAG has pledged to continue advocating for the interests of teacher trainees and to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the academic calendar gets back on track.
“We are hopeful that the government and the unions will find common ground soon. Our education and future depend on it,” Razak concluded.
As the January 27 reopening date approaches, the spotlight remains on the government and the unions to resolve the impasse. For teacher trainees across Ghana, the stakes are high, and the call for action has never been more urgent. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the immediate future of the students but also set a precedent for handling similar issues in the education sector.
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