Tamale Polytechnic Teachers Call Off Strike

Members of the Tamale branch of the Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG), have returned to work after a week- long strike.

They had embarked on an 'indefinite strike' in solidarity with their members whose appointments had been terminated for their alleged sexual harassment of female students.

The affected lecturers were said to award high marks in examinations in return for sex.

Their return to work follows an intervention by the Committee of Polytechnic Principals (COPP) to resolve the impasse.

On Tuesday, the COPP met the Principal of the polytechnic, Dr Yakubu Seidu Peligah, and members of the Tamale Polytechnic Governing Council and POTAG.

Professor Nsiah Jabor who led the four member- COPP delegation, suggested that the affected lecturers should be recalled and made to sign a bond to be of good behaviour.

Sources close to the meeting said that the principals stated that the action taken by the governing council was harsh and could discourage qualified persons from wanting to work with the polytechnic.

He appealed to the local branch of POTAG to return to the lecture halls while the case of their dismissed colleagues is considered.

Prof. Jabor said that embarking on strike could not resolve but rather worsen the situation.

Five lecturers of the poly were dismissed by the Governing Council over the charges.

This sparked off protests by local branch of POTAG who called for their unconditional reinstatement.