We Haven’t Banned Teacher Demonstrations – GES Clarifies
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has clarified that teachers have not been banned from going on demonstration over their grievances.
In a statement, it acknowledged that demonstrations are constitutional rights, teachers, like all other citizens, are entitled to express.
The GES emphasised that it has no intention to undermine this right.
“Management wishes to clarify that the circular does not in any way prohibit teachers from expressing their views or concerns, nor does it seek to undermine their constitutional rights, including demonstrations.”
However, it clarified that its earlier directive prohibiting demonstration during working hours was to re-emphasise the long-standing administrative structure of the Service, which has guided the operations of the GES for decades.
“Under this established process, concerns originating at the school level are first addressed by the Head of School. Where necessary, such matters are escalated to the District Directorate, then to the Regional Directorate, and subsequently to the Headquarters.”
It noted that this structure exists to ensure that issues are handled efficiently, fairly, and with the appropriate context at each level of the Service.
Meanwhile, it said efforts are ongoing to resolve matters relating to arrears, salaries and recruitment are being treated with urgency.
“In this light, Management calls for calm and continued professionalism across the Service, while constructive engagements through the appropriate channels remain encouraged.”
In its earlier directive, the Service threatened to subject any teacher who defies the laid-down procedure to leave his/her duty post for the Headquarters or elsewhere during official school hours, or is captured on video or audio granting media interviews or participating in related activities during such hours, to the appropriate disciplinary procedures outlined in the Code.
“Management, therefore, directs all Regional Directors to supervise District Directors and Heads of School to ensure strict compliance with this directive. District Directors and Heads of School must record any instance of teacher absenteeism and report it to Management.
“Any teacher recorded on video or audio engaging media houses or found at the Headquarters during official school hours will be held accountable, together with the School Head and the District Director responsible.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
