David Worwui-Brown reading the statement as other executives look on
Teachers of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Ghana (POTAG) have appealed to the government to fulfill its promise of completing the conversion process of polytechnics to technical universities as started by the erstwhile Mahama administration.
According to them, such a move will give true meaning to the continuity of the developments chalked by polytechnics over the years.
The conversion of polytechnics to universities was started by the previous government with six out of the ten polytechnics in the country. By December last year, eight had been converted, with two more – WA and Bolgatanga – remaining.
At a press conference in Ho recently, the association appealed to the new administration to continue with the process of converting the remaining two polytechnics to technical universities in the country as a matter of urgency, as promised by President Akufo-Addo (then standard bearer of the New Patriotic Party) during his electioneering campaign at the Cape Coast Technical University.
The statement, which was issued by the association after a national meeting, was read by the General Secretary, David Worwui-Brown.
Nana, Bawumia Congratulated
Prior to the request, the group congratulated Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on their assumption of office as President and Vice President respectively of the Republic of Ghana and assured them of its maximum cooperation.
It also congratulated Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Education-designate, and equally assured him of a good working relationship when he assumes office after approval by parliament.
The teachers expressed delight in the swiftness of the new administration in appointing ministers and were hopeful that President Akufo-Addo and his team would expedite action in putting things in order for the smooth take-off of his administration.
Conversion Challenges
The group acknowledged that some challenges had bedeviled the conversion process hence, slowing its pace. They include the preparation of statutes, constitution of councils and other necessary documentations and accreditations, among others. They therefore, urged the government to urgently assist in addressing the challenges associated with the transition process of the technical universities.
They also called for a team to be put together to deal with the challenges concerning their conditions of service as teachers of technical universities. The group appealed to the government to begin the process for “the timely payment of our Book and Research Allowances for the 2016/2017 academic year.”
Mr. Worwui-Brown stressed that the new government should ensure that their Tier 2 pension contributions are released with immediate effect to their Trustee. The association was hopeful that the requests would be swiftly dealt with.
From Fred Duodu, Ho (freduoo@gmail.com)