Teachers of the Technical Universities and members of the Polytechnic Teachers Association (POTAG) are urging President Akufo-Addo and his new administration to continue with the conversion of the country’s polytechnics into fully fledged technical universities, started by former President John Mahama.
The outgone NDC government, as part of measures to promote hands on training in technical and vocational education, promulgated the Technical Universities bill, which was passed into law (Act 992 of 2016) by the previous Parliament.
In accordance with the Act, 8 out of the 10 polytechnics, excluding that of Bolgatanga and Wa, were converted into technical universities in the 2016/2017 academic year, to enable them run degree programmes.
The General Secretary of POTAG, David Worwui-Brown at the end of the National Executive committee meeting of the Association at the Ho Technical University, told a press conference that, the Akufo-Addo-led administration must commit with the full implantation of of the Technical Universities Act (Act 992) of 2016 by converting the remaining two polytechnics as a matter of urgency.
The association called for the setting up of a committee to deal with their condition of service, while steps are taken to resolve the teething challenges confronting transition process of the converted institutions.
They also called for the timely payment of their 2016/2017 book and research allowances as well as the release of their Tier-2 pension contributions to their trustee.
POTAG, however, assured the new government of a good working cooperation and congratulated the President on his assumption of office as the 5th President of the fourth republic.
Below is the full statement issued by the Association
POTAG PRESS STATEMENT
We, the Teachers of the Technical Universities and Polytechnics (POTAG) wish to congratulate His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice on assumption of office as President and Vice President of the Republic and assure them of our maximum cooperation.
We also wish to congratulate Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh as the Minister of Education Designate, and equally assure him of a good working relationship when he assumes office after approval by Parliament.
We wish to appeal to the President of the Republic and his team to expedite action in putting things in order for the smooth take off of his administration to enable them to:
Continue with the processes of converting the remaining two Polytechnics (WA and Bolgatanga) to Technical Universities in the country as a matter of urgency as promised during his campaign in Cape Coast Technical University.
Address the challenges associated with the transition process of the conversions of the Technical Universities.
Put a team together as a matter urgency to deal with the challenges concerning our Conditions of Service as Teachers of Technical Universities.
Begin the process for the timely payment of our Book and Research Allowances for the 2016/2017 academic year.
Release with immediate effect, our Tier 2 Pension contributions to our Trustee.
We hope our concerns will be given timely and favourable attention.
God bless our Homeland Ghana and make our Nation Great and Strong.
Long Live Technical Education
Long Live Ghana
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