Editorial: CETAG And Government’s Positive Dialogue Very Laudable But…

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) and the government have reached an agreement to end the strike that has disrupted academic life since June 14, 2024.

 The strike, which arose from the government’s non implementation of arbitral awards and service conditions set by the National Labour Commission (NLC), had left campuses deserted and students stranded.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with stakeholders, CETAG’s National Trustee, Maxwell Bunu, said most of the association’s concerns have been addressed.He indicated that while a final decision on ending the strike will be made after further consultations with CETAG’s leadership, initial responses to the issues have been positive.

“We believe the concerns regarding all-year-round work, the de-freezing of the July salary and the payment of the August salary have been adequately addressed,” MrBunu further stated that it would be imprudent for CETAG to remain on strike under these new conditions.

On his part, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, said measures are being instituted to compensate for the lost academic time. He urged students, who may have left campus due to the strike to return promptly, so that classes can resume.

First of all, The Chronicle would like to commend both the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) and the government for finally reaching an agreement to end the teachers’ strike that has disrupted the academic calender since June 14, 2024. 

While the resolution of this impasse is undoubtedly a positive development, it also serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges that continue to plague the country’s education sector, particularly in the realm of labour relations and the fulfillment of commitments.

The strike, which arose from the government’s failure to implement arbitral awards and service conditions mandated by the National Labour Commission, has had far-reaching consequences.

Campuses were deserted, students were stranded and the very fabric of our educational system was strained. It is worth noting that the grievances which led to this strike were not new. They were the culmination of years of neglect and unfulfilled promises, which finally reached a breaking point this year.

CETAG’s decision to consider calling off the strike after positive developments in their negotiations with the government is commendable. However, the underlying issues that led to the strike must be addressed to prevent a recurrence.

The government must recognise that fulfilling its obligations is not merely a matter of avoiding strikes but is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring the smooth operation of our educational institutions.

It is not enough to react to crises as they arise. Proactive engagement with teacher associations, timely implementation of agreed-upon terms and consistent dialogue are necessary to build a sustainable and respectful relationship between the government and educators.

Furthermore, while the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, has indicated that measures will be taken to compensate for the lost academic time, this raises questions about the long-term impact of the strike on students. How will the academic calendar be adjusted?

Will students have to endure compressed schedules that may affect the quality of their education? These are critical issues that require transparent and thoughtful planning, with input from all stakeholders, including students.

As we move forward, it is imperative that both the government and CETAG work towards a more collaborative and forward-thinking approach to labour relations in the education sector. This means not only addressing immediate concerns but also working on structural reforms that prevent such disruptions in the future.

The education sector is too vital to be left at the mercy of unresolved disputes and delayed responses. Let this be a moment of reflection and action, ensuring that the commitment to our educators and students is unwavering and that such a crisis is never allowed to fester again.

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