Give lecturers what they deserve – Clement Apaak tells government
Dr. Clement Apaak, a Deputy Ranking Member on Education in Parliament has fired shots at the government for not giving lecturers in public universities the conditions of service they require.
This follows the industrial action embarked on by the University Teachers Association of Ghana on January 10 2022.
The Association in a statement dated January 8 2022 chronicled a number of reasons that informed their decision to withdraw their services.
According to the association, the amount agreed to be paid as the annual research allowance was rejected and it is calling on the government to reconsider the payment of a more realistic research allowance.
UTAG also cited the worsening Conditions of Service (CoS) of the University Teacher and the failure of the Employer in addressing the plight of UTAG members within the agreed timelines among others.
Dr. Clement Apaak in a Facebook post indicated that the lecturers are faced with numerous issues that bother on teaching and learning in public Universities that need the government’s urgent attention.
“The stalled conditions of service negotiations between University Teachers’ Association (UTAG) and Government, and the withdrawal of teaching and related services by University Lecturers is unfortunate.
“However, the Lecturers cannot be blamed, Government must be held to account for failing to fulfil its obligations to the Lecturers,” he disclosed.
The Builsa South legislator also mentioned a number of challenges the lecturers are confronted with especially the fact that they are overburdened due to large student numbers.
“Poor condition of service of lecturers, leading to limited focus on the quality of teaching; Limited research support and funding, leading to limited research output.
“Lack of adequate infrastructure; lecture halls, residential facilities, office space etc; Non-provision of teaching aids such as laptops and horrible Internet and IT infrastructure and costs, in face of Covid,” he reiterated.
The Ranking Member on Education also added that the quality of students entering the universities is challenging as some have poor English and writing ability.
However, a meeting between the National Labour Commission (NLC) and UTAG held on Thursday 13th January 2022 to resolve issues bothering on strike action has been inconclusive.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
