How We’re Overlooking Key Players in Education: Let’s Back CETAG’s Fight for Fairness

The welfare of teachers and their role in national development are paramount to any thriving society. Teachers shape the future, instilling knowledge and values in the youth who will eventually become the leaders of tomorrow. Despite this, the Ghanaian government has consistently neglected the issues plaguing our educators. The ongoing strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) since June 14, due to the government’s refusal to implement their arbitral award and conditions of service, is a glaring testament to this neglect.

Instead of addressing CETAG’s legitimate grievances, the Acting Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, has stated that the strike negatively impacts Ghana’s tertiary education system. Such a statement, while superficially valid, diverts attention from the root cause of the issue: the government’s failure to honour its commitments to CETAG.

CETAG members from all 46 Colleges of Education nationwide have shown remarkable restraint and patience in their dealings with the government. They have continually sought dialogue and negotiation, only to be met with broken promises and inaction. The current strike is not an act of defiance but a desperate plea for justice and fair treatment.

A History of Neglect and Broken Promises
The history of CETAG’s interactions with the government is marred by a series of unfulfilled promises and neglect. Teachers in the Colleges of Education have faced numerous challenges, including inadequate salaries, poor working conditions, and a lack of resources. Despite these hardships, they have remained committed to their mission of educating Ghana’s future leaders.

Previous governments have often acknowledged the critical role of teachers but have consistently failed to translate this recognition into tangible improvements in their conditions of service. The current administration’s refusal to implement the arbitral award and conditions of service agreed upon is just another chapter in this ongoing saga of neglect.

The Real Impact of the Strike
While Prof. Abdulai’s concerns about the impact of the strike on the tertiary education system are not unfounded, they miss the larger point. The disruption caused by the strike is a direct result of the government’s failure to address CETAG’s grievances. By focusing on the strike’s consequences rather than its causes, the government and its representatives are attempting to shift the blame onto the educators themselves.

The government’s threat to withhold CETAG members’ July salaries if they do not return to the negotiating table is a punitive and counterproductive measure. It further exacerbates the financial hardships faced by these educators and demonstrates a lack of willingness to engage in good faith negotiations. Such tactics only serve to deepen the divide and prolong the crisis.

The Need for Solidarity and Support
It is imperative for Ghanaians to rally behind CETAG in their fight for justice. The struggle of our teachers is not just their own; it is a struggle for the future of our nation. Quality education is the bedrock of national development, and quality education can only be delivered by motivated, well-supported teachers.

Supporting CETAG is not just about standing up for the rights of teachers; it is about standing up for the right of every Ghanaian child to receive a quality education. When our teachers are undervalued and mistreated, the quality of education suffers, and by extension, our nation’s development is stunted.

A Call to Action
The government must recognize that the way it treats its educators reflects its commitment to education and national development. It is time for the government to honour its commitments and engage in meaningful negotiations with CETAG. The implementation of the arbitral award and improved conditions of service are not just demands; they are necessities for the advancement of our educational system.

Ghanaians must show solidarity with CETAG by voicing their support and demanding that the government take immediate action to resolve this issue. We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure that the promises made to our educators are fulfilled. The future of our nation depends on it.

In conclusion, the government’s current stance towards CETAG is not only unjust but also detrimental to the progress of our education system. It is time for a change in approach, one that recognizes and values the indispensable role of teachers in national development. Let us stand together and support CETAG in their rightful quest for justice.