�We Don�t Delight In Embarking On Strikes�

Coalition of concerned Teachers (CCT-GH) registered their displeasure to embark on an indefinite strike action according to them the NDC government have remained very adamant over the payment of their 2011 and 2011 arrears including teachers transfer grants. The President of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ernest Opoku said the Association does not take delight in embarking on strikes and demonstrations as the ultimate solution to demand justice and fair treatment from government. However, he noted it seems that government only understands strikes and demonstrations as the only language after several protocols and negotiations with authorities at the apex of government have reached a crescendo. Mr. Ernest said all their efforts have proved futile hence they have no alternative than to hit the streets to display their sentiment. Meanwhile after the two days ultimatum had elapse some government officials quickly responded but this time around called for a meeting to discuss the way forward to addressing the plights of the aggrieved teachers? Speaking to the Punch, the president said he has been invited on Thursday by their pay maters thus the Education Minister and other government officials for an interaction to find lasting solutions to their plights however, if it turns out that those government authorities are still smoking the same pipe, they will not also resigned their decision. The president of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT-GH), Ernest Opoku said the first issue is government�s adamant posture of non-payment of 2011 and 2012 incremental credit arrears. According to him, they have come to realized that the NDC government is unduly scavenging on that money to the detriment of their colleagues who are due for retirement next year. Mr. Opoku said the third problem is the situation where government has taken decision only to pay teachers three months instead of the two years arrears. The President said this maladroit policy sends a signal to the teacher that their work is less important forgetting that all the stakeholders, politicians, lawyers, nurses, doctors who are enjoying their fair share of the national kitty were though and raised in the classrooms by teachers. The 41 year old Ernest Oppoku stated another issue of concern was the GES staff rationalization and non-payment of transfer grants. The Coalition is asking that the obnoxious GES staff rationalization policy and non-payment of transfer grants and T&T to be put on hold.