Teachers threaten legal action against NTC over alleged unapproved fees and illegal point building

In a demand notice and notice of intention to sue, teachers represented by Stephen Desu, the Founder of INNOVATIVE TEACHERS and an employee of the Ghana Education Service, have raised serious concerns regarding the activities of the National Teaching Council (NTC).

The teachers allege that the NTC has been organizing workshops and collecting unapproved fees, while also engaging in illegal practices related to license renewals.

According to the demand notice, the NTC, which is responsible for licensing service providers and regulating the professional development of teachers, has been misleading educators about the requirements for license renewal.

The notice states that a letter dated August 10, 2023, from the NTC indicated that teachers could earn 6 points by attending National CPD (Continuous Professional Development) days. However, the teachers were charged One Hundred and Fifty Ghana Cedis (GHS150) for the 6 points, which they argue is an unapproved fee.

Furthermore, the demand notice alleges that the NTC created a false impression that the Professional Development Allowance belongs to the Ghana Education Service, when in fact, it rightfully belongs to the teachers. This assertion is based on a Collective Bargaining Agreement signed between the teachers and the Ghana Education Service.

In response to the concerns raised by the teachers, the Ghana Education Service referenced a letter from the NTC and acknowledged the numerous complaints received.

However, the teachers argue that the subsequent “review” initiated by the Ghana Education Service is illegal and cannot replace the legislative instrument required by the EDUCATION BODIES REGULATORY ACT, 2020 (Act 1023). Section 83(1) of the Act explicitly calls for a legislative instrument to guide the activities of the NTC.

Also, the teachers demand that the Ghana Education Service cancel its intention to organize training workshops for six points, withdraw the deduction of One Hundred and Fifty Ghana Cedis (GHS150) from their Professional Development Allowance, and instruct District Directors to halt all training related to points.

Additionally, the teachers require the NTC to officially state that it has ceased all activities outlined in the EDUCATION BODIES REGULATORY ACT, 2020 (Act 1023), due to the absence of a legislative instrument. Finally, the teachers insist that the NTC initiates the process for the passing of a legislative instrument by the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana.

Should the demands outlined in the demand notice not be met within 30 days, the teachers have stated their intention to pursue legal action against the National Teaching Council in a court of competent jurisdiction.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh