Executive Director of the Africa Education Watch Kofi Asare has accused Government of refusing to close down universities notwithstanding the prolonged strike by University teachers for political reasons.
He noted that Government ought to get serious with the striking University Teachers of Association of Ghana ( UTAG) by negotiating with them instead of leaving litigating them in Court.
Disgruntled UTAG members have been on strike since January 10, 2022 over Government’s failure to implement agreements it has with it. The withdrawal of teaching means students have been largely idle, prompting calls for the universities to be closed down. But Government has refused. This refusal, Kofi Asare says, is for fear of the political implications.
“The pressure on government to close down universities is a pressure to be serious with UTAG, negotiate and stop litigating. The only reason government is refusing to close down universities is its political implications. If so, why did government wait till week 5 before meeting UTAG?” Kofi Asare wrote.
For him, mere appeals to UTAG to call off its strike do not show seriousness on the matter, adding that Government ought to make a counter proposal so that negotiations can begin.
“UTAG has made their proposal. Gov’t should make a counter proposal which will signify the begining of negotiations; not just appeals!” He stressed.
Mr Asare had earlier called for a closure of universities due to the strike action, citing its social and economic implications.
Source: mynewsgh
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