We’re committed to resolving CETAG strike action — Prof. Jinapor

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) says it is committed to ensuring that members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) are migrated onto the university salary structure with dispatch.

It said it was also working to ensure that all-year monies due the colleges of education were paid.

At a crucial meeting in Accra to resolve outstanding issues leading to the declaration of an indefinite strike, CETAG, led by its president, Maxwell Bunu, said it was reverting to its national council for the next line of action.

Decision

Obviously, the executive said it was unable to take a unilateral decision to call off the strike without recourse to the council.

The Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, said: "Obviously the timing of the strike action was wrong and unhealthy."

He said with the release of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination results and the admission process kicking in, it would be unfair for the students to be left to their fate.

Prof. Jinapor said the services of the teachers would be needed and, therefore, shutting down the colleges would disrupt the academic calendar.

He pleaded with CETAG that the consultation should not take days but rather hours to save the academic calendar.

In a frank and open discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Controller and Accountant Generals Department, the parties pledged to present good news to the public at their next meeting.

While appreciating the call to cancel the strike, CETAG also called for fairness and speed in addressing its concerns.

The declaration of the strike action followed an Emergency National Council meeting of CETAG on December 30, 2024.

In a statement issued on December 31, 2024, CETAG explained that the decision followed earlier notices of strike served on September 26, 2024, and December 23, 2024, of which the National Labour Commission (NLC) failed to address the concerns raised.

"This action has become necessary due to the government’s continuous violation of signed agreements and road maps on the outstanding compulsory arbitration award issued by the NLC on May 2, 2023.

GTEC

GTEC exists to ensure equitable access to relevant world-class education through the formulation and coordination of policies and plans, provision of accreditation and quality assurance.

As colleges of education nationwide reopen on January 13, 2025, it is expected that the tutors will report to the lecture theatres for lectures to resume.