Take steps to engage Teacher Unions immediately- Arise Ghana tells government

Arise Ghana coalition has urged the government to engage the four teacher unions immediately to avert the consequences of the strike action on education.

According to them, they are worried about the consequences of the strike action on the future of the pre-tertiary students.

In a press statement signed by Rex Omar, a leading member of the pressure group, it stated “arise Ghana has learnt rather sadly of the nationwide indefinite strike action embarked upon by some four teacher unions citing the failure of the government to implement their proposal for a Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA) as the reason.”

“We are deeply worried and concerned about the consequences of this strike action on the education and future of the scores of innocent pre-tertiary students in our dear country.” the statement further said.

They accused the government of been reluctant to address the plight of workers while calling for immediate action to be taken in order not to worsen the situation confronting the educational sector.

“As a government known for belligerence and bad-faith in negotiations with worker unions, we wish to call on the
government to take immediate steps to engage the striking workers without any delay so as not to exacerbate the already porous outlook of education in Ghana.”

They urged the government to be responsive by cutting down spending and reduce corruption practices to address the poor condition of service for public workers.

“It is a fact that poor condition of service for public sector workers has been of great concern to the average Ghanaian worker which in our considered opinion can be addressed if this government prioritizes its expenditure and cuts down on profligate spending as well as plug corruption loopholes all of which result in a budget that stifles adequate compensation and salaries for public sector workers.”

The group further encouraged the teacher unions to avail themselves for meaningful negotiations in the interest of the students.

“Though Arise Ghana shares in the concerns and frustrations of the Ghanaian workers. We wish to on behalf of students and parents appeal to the striking unions to avail themselves of any meaningful negotiations from the government towards achieving any middle ground as far as their demands are concerned in the collective interest of education in Ghana.”