The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has withdrawn all its services following the government’s directive to freeze their July salaries.
This decision comes after the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) instructed the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to suspend the salaries of all striking CETAG members, excluding the Principals, for July 2024.
The salary suspension, announced on July 22, was aimed at compelling CETAG members to end their strike, which has disrupted academic activities across various colleges of education in Ghana.
However, CETAG has responded defiantly, deciding to withdraw all services in protest against what they perceive as an unfair and punitive measure.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 23, CETAG expressed its discontent with the government’s directive.
“In an emergency meeting of the National Council on July 23, the council members took a unanimous decision to withdraw all our services, including attendance at meetings, congregation ceremonies, provision of academic counseling services, as well as supervision of students in the halls of residence, with immediate effect until further notice,” the statement read.
CETAG’s withdrawal of services includes the suspension of teaching, examination activities, and any form of administrative support related to academic functions.
The association emphasized that the decision was taken in response to the government’s actions, which they believe undermine their rights and contributions to the educational sector.
The strike action, which began in June 2024, was initiated by CETAG members demanding better working conditions, including the payment of allowances comparable to those given to lecturers in public universities.
The recent directive to freeze salaries has exacerbated tensions between the government and CETAG, with the association asserting that such measures only deepen the impasse.
The strike has already disrupted the academic calendar, with students facing uncertainty regarding the completion of their studies.
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Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
