On Sunday, 11th August 2024, the Concerned Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (CTTAG) sent a petition to the Executive Committee of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG). In this petition, they expressed their growing frustration and concerns about the ongoing teacher strike, which has now disrupted academic activities for over 50 working days.
The Teacher Strike and Its Impact
The strike, organized by the College of Educational Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), has caused major disruptions at colleges of education across the country. Despite attempts to resolve the issues, teachers are still not back in the classrooms, leaving students in a state of uncertainty. This situation has left many teacher trainees worried about their education and future.
Main Concerns Raised by CTTAG
The petition highlighted four main concerns that need urgent attention:
1. The Future of Teacher Trainees:
- Trainees are anxious about their future because the government has a history of not meeting the demands of education teachers. With no teaching happening on campus, they are unsure about how this will affect their studies and future careers.
2. Financial Worries:
- Trainees are concerned about the financial impact if the strike leads to an extended academic calendar. They are questioning who will cover the extra costs if they have to stay on campus longer to make up for lost time.
3. Concerns About Qualifications:
- The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has said that some tutors may not qualify for better salary structures. This raises concerns about whether trainees will be able to continue their studies under these tutors and if their qualifications will be recognized when teaching resumes.
4. Lack of Action on the Planned Peaceful Protest:
Trainees are disappointed that the peaceful protest planned on 11th July 2024 has not yet happened. They are demanding to know why the protest was delayed and insist that it should take place by Tuesday, 13th August 2024, if there are no valid reasons for the delay.
A Call for Immediate Action
CTTAG is calling for immediate action to address these concerns. They believe that resolving these issues is crucial for the well-being and future of all teacher trainees in Ghana. They have asked TTAG to respond to their petition by Tuesday, 13th August 2024, at 4:00 PM GMT.
The trainees are hopeful that TTAG will support them in their fight to secure their future and ensure that their voices are heard.
Conclusion: What Needs to Happen Next
The situation facing teacher trainees in Ghana is serious and needs urgent attention. As the CETAG strike continues, the uncertainty surrounding the trainees’ future grows. It’s important that the authorities take quick action to address the concerns raised by CTTAG.
The trainees have shown great determination in fighting for their education. Now, it’s up to the government, CETAG, and TTAG to step up and ensure that their concerns are addressed. The future of Ghana’s education system is at stake, and everyone must work together to find a solution.
The Concerned Teacher Trainees are not only fighting for their education but also for the future of Ghana’s classrooms and the students who will one day learn in them.
