The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Education to address several pressing concerns facing professional teachers within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The ultimatum comes amid growing frustration over the Ministry’s handling of issues that directly impact the working conditions and rights of TVET educators.
NAGRAT has raised serious concerns about the Ministry’s approach to developing a new scheme of service for TVET teachers, highlighting a lack of consultation with teacher representatives. According to the union, the Ministry has unilaterally made decisions that affect TVET teachers without adequate input or agreement from those who represent the teachers’ interests. Among the most contentious issues is the migration of teachers from the Ghana Education Service (GES) to the TVET sector, a move that many teachers feel was done without their consent or understanding.
Angel Carbonu, President of NAGRAT, voiced the union’s grievances in an interview with Citi News. He emphasized that the union is dissatisfied with how the Ministry has handled these matters, particularly the lack of transparency and collaboration in decision-making processes that affect TVET teachers. He made it clear that the union expects swift action to resolve these issues within the agreed two-week period.
“We have had a meeting, and during that meeting, the authorities have identified the anomalies and have put measures in place to solve them,” said Carbonu. “So we are supposed to give them two weeks to address the anomalies. Then we will reconvene, look at how the anomalies have been solved, and take it from there.”
NAGRAT’s concerns are twofold: first, the union objects to the Ministry’s failure to engage with teacher representatives in developing the scheme of service for TVET teachers. This omission, according to NAGRAT, undermines the transparency and fairness that should characterize any policy affecting educators’ professional standards and conditions of service. Second, NAGRAT challenges the Ministry’s decision to migrate teachers from the GES to the TVET sector without obtaining the teachers’ consent. This decision has reportedly caused uncertainty and anxiety among affected teachers, who are now questioning the implications of their new roles and responsibilities under the TVET system.
The union’s stance is that these issues not only affect the welfare of TVET teachers but also have broader implications for the quality of technical and vocational education in Ghana. By failing to involve teachers in crucial policy-making processes, NAGRAT argues, the Ministry risks alienating the very educators who are essential to the successful implementation of TVET programs.
In response to NAGRAT’s ultimatum, the Ministry of Education has acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed a commitment to resolving the issues within the stipulated timeframe. The Ministry has indicated that it is taking steps to address the identified anomalies and is optimistic that a satisfactory resolution can be reached through continued dialogue with NAGRAT and other stakeholders.
The next two weeks will be critical in determining the path forward. NAGRAT has made it clear that its members will reconvene after the deadline to assess the Ministry’s actions and determine the union’s next steps. If the Ministry fails to adequately address the concerns raised, further actions, including potential strikes or protests, may be considered to press for the rights and interests of TVET teachers.
This is not the first time that tensions have arisen between the Ministry of Education and teacher unions in Ghana. Over the years, issues such as inadequate remuneration, delays in promotions, and lack of resources have often been points of contention. However, this particular situation involving the migration of teachers and the development of a new scheme of service for TVET educators is unique in that it directly affects a specific group of teachers who are crucial to the country’s goal of enhancing technical and vocational education.
TVET teachers play a vital role in equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for employment in various industries. The government’s commitment to strengthening the TVET sector is seen as a strategic move to reduce unemployment and promote industrial growth in Ghana. However, NAGRAT argues that for this vision to be realized, the concerns of TVET teachers must be adequately addressed, and their rights and welfare must be protected.
The union remains hopeful that the Ministry will honor its commitment to resolving the issues within the agreed timeframe. “We expect the Ministry to act in good faith and to engage with us constructively to find a lasting solution,” said Carbonu. “Our members are dedicated professionals who want to see the TVET sector thrive, but they also deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.”
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Education to see how it responds to NAGRAT’s demands. The outcome will not only impact TVET teachers but could also set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future. For now, NAGRAT has made its position clear: the clock is ticking, and the union expects meaningful action within two weeks.
