Minister For Education, CETAG Must Engage In Constructive Dialogue

The Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has said that government has made strides in addressing the issues of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) which resulted in their strike. The Minister told journalists in Accra on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 after an engagement with stakeholders, saying “we have made great progress, we have made giant strides.”

Members of CETAG from all 46 Colleges of Education nationwide have been on strike since June 14. The strike is a result of the government’s refusal to implement their arbitral award and conditions of service, leading to students from various schools vacating the campuses. CETAG, this week, withdrew all services following the decision by the government to withhold their July salary. CETAG explained that the decision to withdraw all their services is in response to the Minister of Education’s directive to Principals and the Controller and Accountant General not to validate the July 2024 salaries of teaching staff of the 46 public colleges of education, due to their ongoing strike.

The government has described the strike action by CETAG as illegal, whilst the latter is urging its members to withdraw their teaching and related services indefinitely until their grievances are resolved. The intransigent position taken by the parties at the negotiation table does not augur well for the smooth academic calendar that we all hope for. The Chronicle appeals to all negotiating parties to reconsider their uncompromising stance.

We are happy by the announcement of the Education Minister that the fueding parties have made a commendable effort and great progress in reaching an amicable solution. It is indeed a positive step towards resolving the impasse that has disrupted academic activities in all the colleges of education in the country.

Despite the complexities of the situation, Dr. Adutwum’s proactive engagement with CETAG demonstrates the government’s commitment to finding a lasting resolution. The Minister’s dedication to dialogue and negotiation is laudable and reflects a genuine desire to address the concerns of the teachers.

It is imperative for CETAG to consider the broader implications of their continued strike. The academic calendar waits for no man, and the prolonged disruption of academic activities could have lasting negative impact on students and the education calender as a whole. While the grievances of CETAG are valid and deserve attention, the urgency of resuming academic work cannot be overstated.

Education is the backbone of national development and any disruption in the academic calendar can set back the progress of countless students. The future of these students depends on the timely and efficient functioning of educational institutions. Therefore, we urge CETAG to resume teaching and other related services as soon as possible.

Resuming academic activities does not mean abandoning their cause. Instead, it should be seen as a strategic move to continue negotiations from a position of good faith. By returning to the classroom, CETAG can strengthen their bargaining position and show their dedication to both their profession and their students.

It is essential for both sides to continue to engage in constructive dialogue, with the government addressing CETAG’s concerns promptly and CETAG remaining open to reasonable compromises.

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