The ongoing strike by three teacher unions has had a significant impact on students, leaving them without proper instruction and support in their academic pursuits.
During a visit by Silver FM reporter Akwadaa Nyame to various schools in the Kumasi Metro, schools such as Yaa Asantewaa Basic School, Asem Boys Experimental, Asem Islamic Basic School, Amakom M/A Yaa Achiaa Girls, and the K.O. cluster of schools saw all teachers absent from school. Only headteachers were present at some of the schools, overseeing the students for a brief period before dismissing them.
Although the headteachers refrained from making official statements, they expressed deep concern about the strike’s negative impact on academic activities.
They also noticed a significant decline in student attendance, with some students leaving school early.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) began a nationwide strike on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, seeking improved service conditions.
Despite the National Labour Commission’s directive to end the strike, the three teacher unions are persisting with their action.
Some of the schoolchildren who spoke to this reporter said, they wish they were in school but since their teachers were on strike, they decided to play football.
They have therefore appealed to the government to listen to their teachers so that they can return to school.