Accra, Ghana – On February 8, 2024, the leadership of the National Union of Ghanaian Students (NUGS) conducted a courtesy meeting with the esteemed Minister of Education, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to address critical issues impacting students nationwide. President Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel led the delegation in comprehensive discussions with the Minister, focusing on pragmatic solutions to the persistent challenges within the Ghanaian education sector.
The meeting centred on key matters, including the imminent strike by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), unauthorized fee adjustments by certain universities, ongoing strikes by senior staff and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), the autonomy of colleges of Education as Independent Universities, excessive fee structures associated with academic-related activities, and the prolonged delay in examination result releases.
Conducted in a cordial setting, the discussions epitomized the mutual dedication of NUGS and the Ministry of Education to address the issues confronting Ghanaian students. NUGS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to championing the welfare and rights of students, emphasizing the crucial need for collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to devise enduring solutions.
The looming UTAG strike has triggered significant apprehension among students, posing a threat to the academic calendar and exacerbating existing challenges in the education sector. NUGS underscored the necessity for constructive dialogue between UTAG and governmental bodies to amicably resolve underlying issues and avert disruptions in the education system.
Furthermore, NUGS highlighted concerns over unauthorized fee hikes imposed by certain educational institutions, burdening students and families financially.
The union urged the Ministry of Education to investigate these fee adjustments for fairness and transparency, especially considering the financial constraints faced by students nationwide. In line with this, the Minister urged the union to submit the fees and other substantiated proofs of member institutions through the SRCs and LNUGS for further action.
Additionally, NUGS expressed solidarity with the ongoing strikes by senior staff and TEWU members, acknowledging the legitimate concerns regarding their working conditions and compensation. The union called for proactive measures to address these grievances and encouraged all parties to engage in constructive dialogues conducive to an equitable resolution.
Lastly, NUGS emphasized the pertinent issue of delayed examination results in some colleges of Education due to affiliations with universities, advocating for the autonomy of these colleges to operate independently as tertiary institutions. This move aims to alleviate challenges arising from affiliations that impede students’ academic progress and future opportunities.
In closing, the 57th administration reaffirms its unwavering commitment to collaborating closely with the Ministry of Education, governmental entities, and relevant stakeholders to tackle the obstacles facing Ghanaian students and secure equitable access to quality education for all. The union remains resolute in its advocacy endeavours and eagerly anticipates productive partnerships to yield concrete outcomes benefitting students nationwide.