Use others means to dialogue instead of strikes – Otumfuo to teachers
Teachers have been admonished by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu to find new means of negotiating and having their grievances addressed rather than the usual strike which to them is deemed the only labour language the government often understands.
Asantehene expressed worry about the fact that such actions by teachers always have a toll on the innocent children rather than the politician who the situation is directed at.
His admonishment to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) was during their 6th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference.
The teachers said that such labour language is what draws the government’s attention to settle their grievances.
But the Asantehen said “Obviously, those who really suffer are the innocent children. I urge you all to focus your minds on the need for an improved way for negotiations and consultations which will minimize, if not eliminate, any recourse to industrial action and the harmful consequences on our children.”
He urged policymakers to work to ensure that the conditions of teachers are improved.
“While we will always urge moderation in the face of the national economic realities, we will nonetheless, urge policymakers to ensure that the status of our teachers truly reflect the level of importance we attach to their place in society,” he said.
Supporting Otumfuo’s call was Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, a former President of Presbyterian University College who also advised that strikes no longer serve as effective tools for negotiations.
“It cannot work anymore. It is no longer and cannot continue to be an effective negotiation for GNAT. The Chooboi way disenfranchises the citizenry of the country. Chooboi hurts the citizens and does not hurt the government officers who you want to target,” he said.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
