TEACHERS UPGRADING - A Cause For Strike Action

Education is key to the growth of any nation. It influences the thought patterns and guarantees positive behavioural changes in those who acquire it. Just as a great deal of resources is spent on the medium of instruction, the facilitators cannot be left unattended to. It is an established fact that knowledge gained over a period when not upgraded becomes superficial. It is therefore expedient that in-service training, organization of workshops, and /or continuous professional development be enhanced and participants duly motivated.

As part of the motivation, GES grants a good number of teachers the opportunity to further their education through study leave with pay. Others too opt for the distance and sandwich programs to further their education. However, in as much as these teachers love to further their education, it is an undeniable fact that the package one receives after a successful completion of a particular course of study is one of the main factors motivating teachers to sign up to various fields of study.

Returning from the various fields of study, teachers are not guaranteed of where to be posted to yet try to cope with the challenges associated with it. They proceed to provide several required documents at different levels including District /Municipal and Regional Education Offices to complete the posting processes and onward upgrading to corresponding ranks.

After complete submission of documents, one would expect that the teacher will enjoy some salary adjustment at least to compensate for all the efforts made throughout the years of rigorous studying and also in line with the Scheme and Conditions of Service of GES. However, this is not always so. It is not clear how the systems regarding upgrading of teachers operates. A check with some affected teachers indicates that since graduation in 2018, 2019, and 2020, from various Universities, they have not been upgraded to their corresponding ranks let alone to enjoy salary adjustment.

The delay in salary adjustment has left most teachers frustrated causing them to lose passion for effective delivery. Some cannot hide their frustrations and the students suffer for it. Certainly, this ought not to be so. One aspect of the issue which makes it very sad remains the fact that there's no clear information as to when the upgrading to corresponding ranks will be effected. Teachers are left hanging and cannot tell if it is a crime to be a teacher.

To be a teacher was a pride and used to be one of the greatest professions. For now, the writer is not sure if majority of teachers still hold on to that assertion. It is high time teachers are duly respected and equally appreciated for the efforts put in place in nurturing others. It should be highly noted that a hungry person cannot positively feed any soul. All stakeholders should do the needful in ensuring that deserving teachers are upgraded on time.

Time matters! Some section of the affected teachers believe the language most governments understand is a strike action. The writer believes it will not get to that extent and therefore call on the Education Ministry to act swiftly for the good of the nation. It is possible.

The Possible Agenda

We Stand for Liberation

🔵 SAMUEL ABOAGYE

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