The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) is demanding the immediate abolition of the double-track system and the resetting of the academic calendar across second-cycle schools to the previous three-term system.
In 2018, the government of Ghana introduced the double-track system in response to the overwhelming demand for second-cycle education following the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy.
But, the association contends that the current double-track system creates uncertainty and adversely affects the health of education workers, with 40 per cent of second-cycle schools still operating under this system in the country.
Speaking at a press conference attended by national executive members of the association on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, President of NAGRAT, Angel Carbonu, stated, "The double track has brought about its attendant challenges and problems, especially for teachers. Teachers in schools were teaching across tracks, and as a result, most teachers in the senior high schools did not have holidays or rest periods. This situation puts untold and undue pressure on the staff of our schools."
He added, "what we are running right now is putting an untold burden on our teachers, who are regularly going to the hospital for care, and who are spending a significant portion of their meagre salaries to cater for themselves. Moreover, the current system lacks certainty in our schools, as parents and students cannot determine when schools would reopen or go on vacations."
Mr. Carbonu announced NAGRAT's position, stating, "we call on the Ghana Education Service to revert the school term to three terms, change the period from one hour to 40 minutes, and ensure that we have schools based on the promise they made that the double track was going to end within five years."
He emphasised that apart from teachers, non-teaching staff are also bearing the brunt of the current system, compelling them to work throughout the year without rest.
Mr. Carbonu further warned that if their demands are not met, the association will take further action.
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