Teachers Must Reconsider Their Industrial Action

COMMENTARY ON THE NEED FOR TEACHERS TO RECONSIDER THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION  

The role of the teacher in any educational set up is crucial to the success or otherwise of that institution. Teachers are also the moulders of both the academic and moral character of the future generation. In years past, the place of the teacher in society was one of pride. Teachers were indeed then opinion leaders, much revered by all.  Back then they gave their all in a bid to make most of us what we are today.  They were simply very committed professionals who went through thick and thin to teach. Some teachers back then walked for miles or rode bicycles long distances to teach. 

One can argue that this is not the case now. The commitment of our present crop of teachers to their job is questionable.  This is because with all the difficulties and the conditions under which teachers had to work back then, they performed so well that most of us can now boost of good education. No one is saying that our teachers have no right to embark on a strike. They have every right, but the issue now is the timing of their action. Should teachers go on strike just when our children are about to write their BECE and WASSCE? What will become of these kids should the strike linger on and they have to write the exams without the teacher? There have been pleas for the teachers to return to the classroom while the authorities find ways to satisfy their demands. Teachers should consider the future of the children and as they say, 'temper justice with mercy'. For no matter how genuine their grievances are, any action on their part which jeopardises the future of a whole generation will be unpardonable. 

Much as we plead with the teachers to rescind their decision, we also urge the government, the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Education, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission as well as the National Labour Commission to expedite action on the teachers demands and ensure a speedy return of the teachers to the classroom. We must all look at the larger picture of the future of the children and take decisions that would enhance rather then put their future in danger. Ghana and her future progress and development are bigger than any other problems that teachers face. It is in this regard that the teachers should consider the future of the children who are about to write their examination. It is the hope of every Ghanaian that a speedy solution will be found to the problem to safeguard the future of the next generation of leaders among whom are  doctors, soldiers, police officers journalists and other professionals who cannot be what they would want to be without the teachers.

BY: TEYE KITCHER, A JOURNALIST.