Tamale, May 11, GNA - Alhaji Iddrisu Adam, the acting Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, has appealed to striking basic schoolteachers in the Tamale Metropolis to resume classes. The teachers on Monday embarked on a sit-down strike to demand a quick action by the law courts in an assault case in which a parent beat one of their colleagues.

He said there was no justification for them to abandon the classrooms because the case is delayed at the law courts. ''Parents can also take you to court for your unjustified action.'' Alhaji Adam made the appeal at a meeting with regional executives of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Metropolitan Directorate of the GES, and Headmasters of basic schools and members of the Metropolitan Assembly in Tamale on Tuesday.

The meeting was meant to dialogue with the leadership to see how best they could solve the impasse that led to the strike and to workout measures that would help create a good rapport between teachers and parents.

Alhaji Adam said there was contract between the government, parents and teachers and warned that any attempt by one party to breach that contract would not be taken kindly.

"Let us show some level of maturity and professionalism in dealing with the issue to win public sympathy and support," he said. Alhaji Adam said the performance of schools at the basic education level placed the region in the 60th position last year as against 29th position the previous year and that their action would further worsen the situation. 11 May 05