Polytechnic students today demonstrated in Accra to press government to expedite action on the status of the Higher National Diploma (HND) and job placement of holders of the certificate.
The issue has brought confrontation between polytechnic students and governments over the past few years, with the students demanding that the HND should be equated to a first degree. Amidst chanting and dancing some of the demonstrators carried placards, some which read:
- "Unfilled Promises Equals To Indiscipline;"
- "Who Said We Are Dropouts?"
- "NPP Wants To Lie To Poly;"
- "Elizabeth Ohene Quick Action".
Their petition, which was signed by the National President, Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS), Mr Issah Mohammed Ikilil they said the issue of job placement and academic progression of HND students has become worrisome to the student body of the polytechnics. The petition said three committees were set up by the Ministry to review the grading system, job placement and academic progression as well as staff, and infrastructure development and academic autonomy. It said while two of the committees have submitted their reports, the third, which was to work on job placement is yet to submit any official report, even though they were given one month to do so.
The students therefore called on the Sector Minister and Parliament to work to resolve the issue once and for all. Mr Baah-Wiredu said the Ministry is prepared to work with the students to find a lasting solution to the impasse. He said people who excel in their work must be accorded the necessary support, adding that Ghana's educational system has produced very brilliant people, who are now occupying high international positions. Mr Baah-Wiredu urged the students to exercise restraint for the ministry and their representatives to analyse and work out a permanent solution.
