By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Jan 18, GNA – The Southern Volta branch of Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) Ghana, have expressed optimism about the potential of Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Education Minister-designate to deliver on his mandate and bring about significant improvement in the education sector.
CCT said that Mr Iddrisu’s record of accomplishment and experience in leadership positions and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students, has been particularly noted.
Mr Ephraim Dodzi Jumper, the Vice Chairperson of Southern Volta CCT Ghana, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, stated that Mr Iddrisu’s commitment to leadership was evident in his previous roles, as minister where he consistently advocated for policies and programs that promoted access to quality development.
“We are confident that the education minister designate will bring this same level of dedication, commitment and expertise to his new role, and one of the key areas we expect him to focus on is teacher’s welfare,” he said.
Mr Ephraim said that the group has been vocal about the need for better working conditions, training, and compensation for teachers as well as better salary negotiations for all teachers at various levels in the country.
He hoped that Mr Iddrisu would prioritise welfare of teachers negotiating with all teacher unions and work closely with Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to solve any pressing challenges which could hinder the progress and development of education when given the nod.
He noted that other critical areas that the CCT hoped to be prioritise was infrastructure development, “since many schools in the country lack basic facilities, such as classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities and we hope that the Education Minister designate will work to address these gaps and ensure that all students have access to safe, quality and supportive learning environments without any discrimination.”
CCT also expected Mr Iddrisu to build on the progresses made in the education sector in recent years by supplying textbooks and syllabus, capitation grant, and promote teachers who deserved to be promoted at the appropriate time.
He said the group have been impressed by free Senior High School policy initiated by the previous government but should be reviewed with a cut-off point results and allow teacher trainees to write licenstial exams in colleges before completion of school to alleviate pressure mounted on the many teachers.
He called on all stakeholders in the education sector to support Mr Iddrisu nomination to take on his new role provide proper and adequate solution to food shortages in schools, teachers strike and pay external examination dues which include WAEC exams, among others.
Mr Ephraim expressed hope that the success of Mr Idrisu in the education sector will depend on the cooperation and collaboration between teachers, parents, students, and the broader community at large to improve the level of education in various sectors.
Some other teachers and educationists GNA engaged expressed satisfaction about the nomination and prayed a meaningful and lasting impact would be placed in the education sector to uplift the standards.
“We want the next Director General of Education to be an educationist who understand and pass through all level of ranks in education to be appointed for our problem to be heard and solve timely.”
Mr Haruna Iddrisu previously served as minister for Communications from 2009 to 2013 then a Minister of Trade and Industry from 2013 to 2014 and Minister of Employment and Labour Relations under the previous Mahama administration in July 2014.
GNA