The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has taken the step to close its basic schools in response to an ongoing industrial action by various unions within the educational sector.
Effective from Tuesday, January 30, 2024, until further notice, the closure is a precautionary measure amidst the current labor dispute involving the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC), the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UG), and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).
University Registrar, A. K. Boateng officially announced the decision, citing concerns for the safety and well-being of students and staff during the ongoing labor dispute.
The strike initiated by the unions has created uncertainty in the education sector, with demands ranging from improved working conditions to salary adjustments.
The impact is widespread, affecting various educational institutions, including universities and basic schools.
The closure of KNUST Basic Schools further compounds the challenges faced by educational institutions amid the labor dispute, raising concerns about the continuity of academic activities and student welfare.
Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, the University Relations Officer of KNUST, highlighted the detrimental impact of the strike on the university’s workflow. He stressed the need for urgent engagement among stakeholders to address the unions’ grievances and find mutually beneficial solutions.
As the standoff continues, parents and guardians may need to make alternative arrangements for their children’s education during the closure period. Stakeholders remain hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of quality education across Ghana’s educational institutions.