By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), Sept. 29, GNA – The nationwide strike by teacher unions has entered its second day in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region, with public basic schools largely deserted as teachers stayed away from classrooms.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed on its visit to several public schools in the municipality on Tuesday, that teaching and learning activities had virtually come to a halt, with school compounds locked, and neither teachers or pupils were seen on these premises.
Schools visited included the Dambai Lapaz M/A Basic School, St. Acquaintance School and Wokanyaw M/A Basic School, where there were no visible teaching and learning activity.
The situation was similar at Basic schools like the Kparekpare M/A, Kpelema M/A, and Dormabin M/A, where the facilities were also closed during the visit.
The strike action had consequently left many parents and guardians concerned about the possible impact on academic work, particularly if the decision of the teachers persisted.
The GNA also observed that while several of the public schools visited remained closed, teaching and learning continued in some private schools within the municipality.
Speaking to the GNA, Mr Isaac Mpoan, a parent, described the situation as worrying and appealed to the government to urgently engage the teacher unions and resolve the issues that had led to the strike.
He urged the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to take the necessary steps to address the concerns of the teachers and facilitate their return to the classrooms.
“We are concerned because our children are at home while teaching and learning continue in some private schools. We appeal to the government to intervene and resolve the matter as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Mpoan said prolonged closure of public schools could disrupt the academic calendar and put additional pressure on parents who might be unable to afford private education for their children.
He therefore called for constructive engagement between the government and the teacher unions to reach an agreement that would enable teachers to resume work and ensure that pupils returned to school.
The GNA’s observations in the municipality were limited to the schools visited and did not constitute an assessment of all public schools in the Krachi East Municipality.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo