Abuakwa (Ash), Oct 1, GNA - The Atwima-Nwabiagya teachers on Friday embarked on massive demonstrations and protests against their poor service conditions and the government's insensitivity towards their plight instead of celebrating the World Teachers Day. Hundreds of aggrieved teachers wearing red bands, paraded through the principal streets of Nkawie, Abuakwa and Adankwame in separate protests and demonstrations.

Addressing the teachers separately, Mr Joseph Bonsu, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), said the demonstrations were aimed at making known to the public the government's change of stand on their genuine grievances, which had already been agreed upon.

He said the Association's efforts to negotiate with the government for fair remunerations and conditions of service for teachers ended in a stalemate, which he said had affected the trust and confidence that existed between the two parties. Mr Bonsu said GNAT is still negotiating with the National Labour Commission and that the outcome would determine the association's next line of action.

He, therefore, advised the teachers to exercise restraint and standby, while the negotiations continue. Mr F. C. K. Ntim-Gyakari, District GNAT Chairman, expressed regret at the uncompromising attitude of the government towards the negotiations and called for mutual trust and respect between teachers and the government.

Some parents interviewed later expressed their sympathy for the teachers and appealed to the government to keep faith with them. Meanwhile, the teachers have vowed to embark on a sit down strike until government addresses their grievances.