Teacher trainees in Ghana’s 46 colleges of education are facing an unprecedented crisis as the strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) enters its fifth week, bringing all academic activities to a halt.
“We are in limbo, unsure whether to stay on campus or return home. Our academic progress is stalled, jeopardizing our future as qualified teachers. The financial burden is affecting our mental health and well-being,” the Coalition of Concerned Teacher Trainees, Ghana said in a statement.
The trainees are calling on the government, stakeholders, and all Ghanaians to help resolve the impasse, which has left them stranded and uncertain about their futures.
“Quality education requires quality teachers, and the future of Ghana depends on it. We urge the government to address the concerns of CETAG and get our tutors back to the classrooms,” the statement added.
The trainees are demanding:
– A resolution to the CETAG strike
– Upholding of the stipulated academic calendar
– Commitment to prioritizing the needs of Colleges of education in Ghana
– Support for teacher trainees facing financial hardship
If the government cannot resolve the issue immediately, the trainees are requesting that the colleges be closed, and students be allowed to return home, considering it has been more than 21 days without student engagement.
“We cannot continue to endure this uncertainty. We call on all teacher trainees and other concerned bodies to join us in our plea to save our education and secure Ghana’s future. Together, we can make a difference,” the statement emphasized.
