GTEC Orders Colleges of Education to Remain Open Amid the Ongoing CETAG Strike
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has unequivocally directed all colleges of education nationwide to remain open as the strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) continues.
Despite CETAG’s nationwide strike, which began on June 14 over the government’s alleged failure to implement arbitral awards and other conditions of service, GTEC firmly asserts that the closure of colleges is not under consideration at this time.
In a statement released on August 16, 2024, GTEC made it clear: “The Commission has not reached any conclusion on this matter, nor has it been instructed by the Honourable Minister of Education to do so. Therefore, all 46 Colleges of Education are to remain open until further notice.”
Full statement.
UPDATE ON CETAG STRIKE CONCERNS AND COLLEGES OF EDUCATION CLOSURE
The attention of GTEC has been drawn to numerous requests on the need for the closure of the 46 colleges of education in lieu of the impending strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG).
The Commission, as of today, 16th August 2024, has not reached such a conclusion, neither has it been directed by the Honourable Minister of Education to do same. As a result, all of the 46 Colleges of education should stay open until further notice.
Again, as you are aware, the Commission has migrated 20 institutions as of today and hopes to complete all 46 before the end of the month.
In addition, the top-up of the research allowance has been paid to 44 colleges of education except McCoy and Dambai, who have some technical issues to be resolved. Additionally, the all-year-round payment, which is also an issue of contention, has been initiated on Ghana Integrate Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) to enable the Ministry of Finance to issue the release letter and specific warrant for payment to be effected as soon as possible.
Regarding payment of salaries for August, the Commission will communicate directives on the subject once same has been received from the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
In the meantime, the Commission is in serious talks with the Honourable Minister of Education for financial clearance to be granted to GTEC to recruit some two thousand five hundred (2500) teaching staff to augment the current load for academic work to commence as quickly as possible while we work with CETAG to resolve their concerns.
GTEC will communicate to you the modalities with which this urgent staff recruitment will be expedited as soon as the clearance is provided.
I am counting on your usual cooperation.
Godfred Sey/ Ahotoronline.com
