GES warns schools, teachers against illegal fees, appeals for end to strike

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern warning to school principals and teachers regarding the prohibition of illegal fees, including admission charges and unauthorized levies. Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis made this announcement during a press conference in Accra, concurrently appealing to teacher unions to terminate their ongoing strike.

He assured that the GES is actively formulating a plan to address the issues raised by the unions and remains dedicated to resolving them. Prof. Davis emphasized the adverse effects of the strike on teaching and learning, especially as it has only been underway for two weeks into the new academic year. He urged the teachers to resume their duties while negotiations to resolve their grievances continue.

Additionally, Prof. Davis highlighted a significant achievement by the GES, namely the removal of the cap on teacher promotions, which aims to enhance career progression and alleviate concerns about promotions within the Service. The GES also disclosed plans to synchronize the academic calendar for increased consistency throughout the school year.

Prof. Davis reiterated the Service's commitment to engaging with teacher unions and finding permanent solutions to their concerns, while urging teachers to consider the impact of the strike on students and the academic calendar. He appealed for striking teachers to suspend their industrial action and allow the ongoing dialogue and roadmap for resolving their grievances to progress.