The Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana is appealing to government to disburse allowances owed to members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana before February 9, stressing that timely payment is crucial for the welfare and smooth training of teacher trainees.
CETAG has been on strike since November last year, demanding the full implementation of the National Labour Commission’s May 2023 arbitral awards.
Speaking to Starr News, the National President of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana, Divine Nanija, urged CETAG to consider legal action, noting that government has addressed only three of their five concerns.
“We are calling on the government to demonstrate commitment by granting financial clearance for at least three of CETAG’s outstanding issues to be addressed. This is urgent because students are expected to return to school on February 9, which is just next Monday. We are hopeful that the funds will be reflected in CETAG’s account before then, especially since they have indicated that they will not resume work if payment is not made.
“We are therefore appealing to the government and all relevant stakeholders to fast-track the process and ensure the money is released promptly so that academic activities can resume as scheduled. As students, we have fulfilled our obligations — we have paid our fees — so it is unfair for us to remain at home.
It is time for the government, CETAG, and other stakeholders to work together to resolve this matter and call off the strike. At the same time, we want to appeal to CETAG that if three out of their five concerns are addressed, it would be a significant and reasonable step forward.
They can then explore other appropriate and legal avenues to resolve the remaining two issues rather than prolonging the strike, which leaves teacher trainees stranded and uncertain about their academic calendar. Our colleagues in the universities are in school, nursing trainees are also in school – we, too, deserve to return and continue our studies.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
