As three major teacher unions in Ghana embark on a strike over unresolved grievances with the government, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a directive for schools to remain open and ensure the safety of students.
The strike, initiated by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), began on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The unions cite government negligence in addressing their conditions of service as the reason for the industrial action.
In response to the strike, the GES has instructed headteachers of public Kindergarten, Primary, Junior, and Senior High Schools to mobilize their management teams to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Regional and District Directors have been tasked with closely supervising schools and students to maintain order and security on the premises.
Despite the disruption caused by the strike, the GES has emphasized the importance of keeping schools open to minimize the impact on students’ education. The directive aims to provide continuity in learning and safeguard the academic interests of the students amidst the labor dispute.
In a statement, the GES urged parents to remain calm and assured them that the situation is being closely monitored. The Regional and District Directors have been instructed to keep schools open and supervise students until further directives are issued by the GES management.
As the strike action unfolds, the GES remains committed to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of schools and the continued provision of education to Ghanaian students. The directive serves as a reassurance to parents and students alike that measures are in place to mitigate the effects of the ongoing labor dispute on the education sector.
