The Ghanaian education sector is in turmoil as a six-week strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) continues to disrupt academic activities in the country’s 46 Colleges of Education. With no end in sight, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is calling on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to adjust the 2023/2024 academic calendar to reduce the strike's impact on students.
The strike began on June 14 and has caused significant disruptions, with students missing essential learning hours. Despite a meeting between CETAG and Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum on Wednesday, no clear solution has been reached. NUGS is urging GTEC to act to prevent further harm to the academic year.
In an interview with Starr News, NUGS President Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh emphasized the need for an adjustment to the academic calendar. "We’re not asking for a complete reset, but a realistic adjustment to make up for lost time. Our students have invested time and resources into this academic year, and restarting it would be disastrous."
Kyeremeh pointed out the difficulties faced by Level 400 and 300 students on out-programme placements, who have paid for accommodations but have had their plans disrupted by the strike. "These students are facing financial hardship, and adjusting the calendar is the only way to mitigate this crisis. They’ve already paid for rent, and now they’re stuck, not knowing what to do next."
The NUGS President also expressed concern about the strike's impact on students' mental health. "The uncertainty and anxiety caused by this strike are affecting our students' well-being. We can’t ignore this crisis any longer."
NUGS is calling for a revised calendar that accounts for the lost time, allowing students to complete their academic year without further disruption. The outcome of today's Council meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps. Both parties have shown optimism about the negotiations, but the lack of a clear solution is causing anxiety among students and stakeholders.
The CETAG strike has brought to light deeper issues within Ghana's education sector, including concerns about teacher welfare, infrastructure, and funding. A long-term solution is needed to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Meanwhile, students are caught in the middle, with their academic futures uncertain. NUGS is urging GTEC to take action before it's too late. The education sector can’t afford to wait any longer to find a solution.
The future of thousands of students is at stake, and time is running out. Will GTEC respond to the call, or will it be too late for Ghana’s students? Only time will tell.