The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Mr. Richard Akumbas, has called for an urgent resolution of the ongoing nationwide teachers’ strike, warning that the absence of teachers is disrupting both academic work and student supervision, particularly in boarding schools.
Speaking in an interview on the Bluewaves Breakfast Show, Mr. Akumbas, who is also a headmaster and a parent, described the situation as deeply worrying. “I am not only a headmaster; I am also a parent. The children that have been given to me cannot be handled alone. I need the support of my teachers to come back and help us take care of them,” he said. He specifically appealed for a swift settlement so that students and teachers in boarding institutions can return to normal routines.
Mr. Akumbas likened students to sheep and teachers to shepherds. “When the sheep are there without a shepherd, you know what the sheep can do,” he stated. Without teachers present, many students remain in the dormitories throughout the day instead of engaging in self-learning in the classrooms. Even those who attempt to study independently are affected by the lack of guidance and structure.
He noted that the impact extends beyond classroom instruction. Housemasters and hallmasters, who also play supervisory roles, face challenges as some students become less disciplined in the absence of teaching staff. “The strike is not only affecting classroom work; it has to do with a lot of other issues. There is a need for government to act,” Mr. Akumbas emphasised.
The strike, declared on 25 September 2026 by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), centres on unresolved issues including delays in negotiating a new Collective Agreement with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the non-implementation of automatic salary placement for promoted teachers, and the unpaid Deprived Area Allowance.
Despite the difficulties, Mr. Akumbas expressed optimism that the impasse could end soon. “That is my hope. I am an optimist. I believe so. There should be some talks behind the scenes and some assurances. If the President of the Republic intervenes, I believe the decision will be favourable, because the President is the number one gentleman of the land, and whatever he says will be done,” he said.
He also commented on concerns surrounding automatic placement of promoted teachers, suggesting that any challenges involving the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department should have been raised earlier once results were released. The interview further touched on engagements with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. Some portions of the recording relating to the Controller and placement process were unclear and require further verification.
The industrial action continues to disrupt teaching and learning across the country, including in the Upper East Region, where regional teacher unions have reaffirmed their support for the national action until the outstanding demands are addressed.
By Gayheart Abraham
Source: Mybluewavesonline.com/Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
