GNAT, GES SIGN MoU TO RESTORE HEADTEACHER

Rose Hayford Darko, Tema

The Ghana National Association of Teachers ( GNAT ) and the Ghana Education Service ( GES ) have agreed in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that Ms Helena Abrokwa should be restored to her position as Headteacher of the Padmore Street Primary ‘1’ school .

According to the MoU , a committee set up by the GES would would then investigate the circumstances leading to Ms Abrokwas ’s transfer and demotion as a headteacher by the Tema Municipal Director of Education , Mrs Lucy Kwapong.

This was at meeting of the two parties held on October 12 , 2007 at the office of the Director General of the GES .

The decision at the meeting which was communicated in a letter signed by Mr James Agyeman Fokuo , Deputy General Secretary in- charge of Administration and Labour Relations to the Director General of the GES ; was copied to the Minister of Education , Science and Sports (MOESS ) ;the Chief Director of the MOESS ; the Deputy Director General of the GES ; National President of the GNAT ; the Chairman of the GES Council , and all Regional GNAT Secretaries .

The MOU demanded the immediate implementation of the decisions taken at the meeting of the two parties and a speedy resolution of the impasse .

Ms Helena Abrokwa was demoted and transferred as the Headteacher of the Padmore Street Primary ‘1’ School in Tema on the re-opening of schools on September 11 , 2007 , after she was accused of speaking to the media .

When the Daily Graphic reached the Solicitor for GNAT , Mr Kwame Boni on telephone , he confirmed that there was an MoU between GES and GNAT to restore Ms Abrokwa before the committee starts its investigation but said the GES was yet to implement the decision .

He explained that at the time of filing this story ,the GES had not written to the victim for the withdrawal of the letter which demoted and transferred her .
Mr Boni said GNAT was waiting for the GES to enable them to resolve the impasse as early as possible without which he said the company could not do its work .

Meanwhile the Tema Municipal Council of GNAT has issued a week’s ultimatum to the Director General of the GES to restore Ms Abrokwa to her position as agreed upon at the meeting or they would advise themselves .


Published WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 7, 2007 .