The Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jibril, says plans are being made to ensure that the ongoing strike by teacher unions do not have negative impacts on the academic calendar.

Speaking during a visit to the Damongo and Ndewura Jakpa Senior High schools, he said the Regional Coordinating Council will continue to liaise with all relevant bodies to promote students’ welfare and smooth academic work.

Mr Jibril also charged the students to make maximum use of their time by forming study groups and contacting management for needed help where necessary.

“We have come here to plead with you to comport yourselves in the sense that the future of this country lies in your hands.

“Don't use this short period in which you are not having teachers to do bad things. Use it to develop yourselves,” he told the students.

Four teacher unions have declared an indefinite nationwide strike – effective Monday, July 4 – over demands for the payment of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

The unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT), are demanding that the 20% of their basic salary be paid to them.

They have blamed their industrial action on government’s failure to pay the COLA, which they argue could have helped to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living.

In a response to a complaint by the headmistress of Damongo SHS over challenges with kitchen staff due to the strike, Mr Jibril was hopeful the concerns raised by striking groups would be addressed sooner.

He further commended management of the schools for their efforts in maintaining sanity and keeping the student in check.

On her part, the Savannah Regional Director of Ghana Education Service (GES), Hajia Katumi Natogmah Attah, called on students to remain calm and take their studies seriously.

She stressed that there would not be any distraction to the academic calendar.