Following the Coronavirus outbreak in Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has, on Sunday, 15th March, 2020 ordered for the closure of all schools across the Country to help prevent the spread of the virus among students. Since the closure of the schools, private school teachers among many across the country have been calling on President Akufo-Addo’s government to make available some relief packages and if possible consider payment of salaries to all private school teachers. This many Ghanaians considered appropriate waiting for an official communication from government.
Though, the government is yet to announce a relief package for private school teachers following their appeal, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2020 manifesto team and a Ranking Member on Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that, he has met the leaders of private school staff following their calls for support in the midst of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa who severed as the Deputy Minister of Education in charge of tertiary under for President John Dramani Mahama’s administration said, after listening to the vulnerable teachers, and concerns raised by them, he has put plans in place to pay a total of five hundred and seventy (570) teaching and non-teaching staff from forty-five (45) private schools within his constituency by May ending.
“In the unfortunate circumstances, I have notified the leadership of private schools of a new MP’s initiative to offer a cash compensation package to all 570 teaching and non-teaching staff at the end of this month (May).” He announced.
According to him, it was shocking to him that, such private school teachers have not received salaries since March after schools were closes down.
“I have been in touch with the leadership of the 45 private basic schools in my beloved constituency to find out how they are coping with the exigencies of the times and to express my solidarity. Sad to hear that unlike their counterparts in the public sector, teaching and non-teaching staff have not received salaries since March, thanks to COVID-19.” He disclosed.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has noted that, he has secured assurance for the vulnerable private school teachers and promised them that, non of them will be dismissed due to the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana. “I am particularly delighted that I have also secured assurances that no teacher would be laid off in these difficult times.” He assured.
“We are all in this together. We defeat COVID-19 together and we rise from the ashes together.” He concluded.
