The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has appealed to striking teachers to end their nationwide industrial action and return to classrooms while the government works on their demands. The strike began last week after teacher unions raised unresolved welfare issues, including salary concerns, allowances, and conditions of service. Schools across Ghana have been largely deserted, disrupting teaching and learning at the basic and secondary levels.
On September 28, Mr Iddrisu met with leaders of the teacher unions in a bid to address the strike’s causes. He said the government is committed to resolving the issues and finding a lasting solution. During the meeting, Mr Iddrisu clarified the roles of the negotiating team. “The government team is here as Minister for Education, I have no negotiation mandate. The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission by law has and they are here. The Comptroller as Treasurer of Government also has some mandate,” he said.
The minister urged the unions to work with the government without jeopardising the academic calendar. “If there are any consequential directives that keep the academic calendar smooth sailing, I will appreciate you for partnering with government and working with government to resolve those legitimate concerns of yours whilst not jeopardising the academic calendar,” Mr Iddrisu added.
He emphasized the importance of the academic calendar, which he said has finally stabilised after years of disruption. “This is the first time ever in five years to a decade that government has stabilised and normalised this academic calendar for all levels of education. That we hold dear and that you must hold dear and that we must hold dear for our learners and for our students at all levels,” he said.
The minister pointed out that the current academic calendar has allowed students who passed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to move to university in September without delay. “So, a disruption of it can be fatal for the country and for the future of those young learners,” he warned.
The strike has drawn concern from parents and education stakeholders who have called for swift action to restore normal teaching and learning. The government said it remains open to further talks with the teacher unions to resolve the dispute.
The teachers’ strike follows long-standing complaints over pay and welfare that the unions say have not been adequately addressed. The Education Ministry’s appeal comes as pressure mounts to end the strike and avoid further damage to the school year.
Mr Iddrisu’s comments underline the tension between government efforts to maintain the academic calendar and the teachers’ demands for better conditions. The dispute continues to affect thousands of students across Ghana as negotiations continue.
According to 3News.
