Haruna Iddrisu promises to get striking teachers back to work

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has assured striking teachers that government is working to resolve their concerns within the coming days and facilitate their return to the classroom.

Mr. Iddrisu said bringing the industrial action to an end remains a priority, adding that he would personally engage in efforts to address the outstanding issues.

“For me, as I said, it is an escape from problems that I will run back to, to go and resolve the strike, and that I will do in the next few hours and days,” he said.

“We will get the teachers back to work.”

The Education Minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to implementing a supplementary salary arrangement through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department by October 16.

“Be assured that I gave my word that the Controller and Accountant-General will do a supplementary salary arrangement by 16th of October. That will be honoured in observance and not in breach,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu said the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) would continue negotiations with the striking teachers in an effort to reach an agreement and bring the industrial action to an end.

He appealed to the teachers to consider the impact of the strike on students and help safeguard the academic calendar.

“I plead with them once again to keep the calendar safe and secure,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu expressed confidence that the outstanding concerns would be resolved and teachers would return to the classroom, while reiterating government’s commitment to the October 16 deadline for the supplementary salary arrangement.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo