The nationwide strike by Ghana’s pre-tertiary teacher unions is beginning to disrupt teaching and learning in parts of the Western Region, with some pupils reporting to school only to find classrooms locked and teachers absent.
At some schools, pupils arrived as early as 7:35 a.m. expecting to begin their normal lessons but were met with empty classrooms and quiet school compounds.
A visit by 3News to schools around Apowa captured the immediate impact of the industrial action.
At the Apowa St. John’s Methodist Basic School, the usual morning activity was missing. Some classroom doors were locked, while pupils who had reported for school waited without teachers to begin lessons.
Although the pupils had arrived for the school day, there was no teaching taking place.
A similar situation was observed at the Ankyernyin Basic School, where the school premises were open but normal academic activities were largely absent.
Some classrooms were empty, with chairs left unoccupied, while the headteacher’s office was also locked.
The strike was declared by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG).
The unions are protesting delays in placing promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales, among other concerns.
While discussions over the issues remain ongoing, the industrial action has already had a direct impact on pupils, disrupting their normal school routine and leaving many without classroom instruction.
The continued strike has raised concerns about the potential effect on teaching and learning, particularly for pupils who rely on regular classroom contact to keep up with their studies.
By:Rachael Djabakie