.. during weekends

Takoradi, Nov.11, GNA - Some members of National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis have decided to work extra hours and during weekends to make up for lost periods during their two-month strike action.

Others maintained that their resumption was in obeisance to the court order and would teach "according to their conscience". This came to light when Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited some schools on Friday after striking NAGRAT members resumed work in accordance with the court order and persuasion from its leadership. The visit was to find out from the students and teachers, effects of the strike and strategies being adopted to minimize its effects, particularly on final year students.

In some of the schools, few NAGRAT members were seen teaching while in others, most of them were seen in the Staff Common Room discussing the strike, blockade of their October salaries and the next line of action should their salaries remained blocked for some time. Madam Aba Smith, Headmistress of Bompeh Secondary Technical School told the GNA that after discussions NAGRAT members in the school had decided to work extra hours and during weekends without any extra cost to parents.

Mr Kofi Adolf Osei, Headmaster of Takoradi Secondary School (TADISCO) said the school had to depend on National Service Personnel to prepare the students, particularly those in form three for their final examinations.

The situation was the same at Ahantaman Secondary School and Saint John's Secondary School at Sekondi where National Service Personnel ensured that academic work continued. At Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi, Mr Thomas Kofi Mensah Headmaster said most NAGRAT staff members had returned to the classroom.

Mr John Ennor, Assistant Headmaster of Fijai Secondary School expressed concern about the inability of the school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to collaborate with the school authorities to formulate plans that would minimize the effects of the strike action on students.

Mr Fiifi Buckman, TADISCO Local NAGRAT President said some NAGRAT members who had not reported for work might have travelled to their hometowns and were expected to return during the weekend for serious academic work to begin on Monday.

Some parents who spoke to GNA said it was a welcome decision to help final year students expected to take their examination next year.