Teacher strike disrupts academic activities in Upper East schools

Academic activities have been disrupted in several public basic schools across the Upper East Region following a nationwide strike action declared by teacher unions.

A visit to the Balungo Basic School in the Bongo District around 9:00 a.m. found classrooms locked, while some pupils who had gathered on the school compound took advantage of the situation to play football.

A few National Service Personnel attached to the school were seen directing pupils who were yet to leave the premises to return to their various homes.

Some parents, having heard about the strike, also trooped to the school to pick up their wards and ensure they returned home safely.

A visibly worried parent who spoke to Modern Ghana appealed to the government to engage the striking teachers and reach an agreement to bring an end to the industrial action.

The parent said the strike had come as a surprise to many parents, adding that the disruption of teaching and learning would place an additional burden on families.

"I prepare my children for school every morning, and so I was there when I saw one student passing and I asked where he was going. He said they had been asked to go home because there was a strike, so I decided to come and verify since I didn’t believe it.

"But when I got here, I noticed it was true, and after enquiring, I was told it is because of their severance. So I want to appeal to the government to immediately see to the welfare of teachers because they really do a lot to support us.

"Taking care of a child from nursery to JHS is not an easy task, so we want the government to listen to them and solve their demands promptly because this strike will affect parents."

The parent further urged both sides to resume negotiations and reach a mutually acceptable solution that would benefit teachers, parents, and especially schoolchildren.