The Teachers’ and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has called on the government and education authorities to urgently address staff shortages and respect the conditions of service of non teaching staff to improve the delivery of quality education

The call was made at the Conference of Directors of Education in the Upper East Region, held in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The union raised concerns about inadequate staffing, poor welfare packages, unpaid overtime and unfavourable working conditions affecting non teaching personnel

The General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azotiba, appealed to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to lift the embargo on recruitment, grant financial clearance and replace personnel who had retired, died or resigned within 30 days

He cited the situation in a senior high school with approximately 1,200 students, where only four cooks were responsible for preparing breakfast, lunch and supper. He warned that persistent staff shortages could undermine the effective implementation of education policies and compromise the quality of education

In an interview, the National President of TEWU of TUC, Madam Salamatu Mahama Braimah, emphasised the importance of recognising and respecting non teaching staff, describing their roles as complementary to those of teaching personnel

She explained that TEWU represents workers across the Ghana Education Service, universities, technical universities, colleges of education, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), language institutions, the Museums and Monuments Authority, and the Ghana Library Authority, among other educational institutions

According to her, the union advocates for workers’ welfare and negotiates their conditions of service with management, including the Ghana Education Service.
“Our directors are our bosses, and we are happy working under them. All we are asking is that our welfare should be their priority and that they respect our conditions of service,” she said

Madam Salamatu expressed concern that some provisions of the conditions of service, particularly those relating to workers’ leave entitlements, were allegedly not being respected

She stressed that the conditions of service constituted a formal agreement between the union and management and must therefore be adhered to strictly

She noted that cleaners, security personnel, cooks, administrators and other non teaching staff played essential roles in maintaining safe, functional and effective educational institutions

She added that without the support of these workers, teachers would struggle to perform their duties effectively, potentially affecting the quality of education in the country

The union also raised concerns about the welfare of security personnel, some of whom reportedly work extended hours without corresponding overtime compensation. It called on the relevant authorities to ensure that outstanding payments were settled

Both union leaders urged education directors and other stakeholders to prioritise the recruitment, welfare and motivation of non-teaching staff, stressing that effective education delivery required the collective efforts of teaching and non teaching personnel

They maintained that strengthening the non teaching workforce and respecting their conditions of service were essential steps towards translating education policies into improved educational outcomes across Ghana

Source – gbcuraonline.com

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The ongoing controversy surrounding the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) Zakaria Abdulai, has taken another twist following his resignation as Juaben Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and withdrawal from the party’s upcoming constituency chairmanship race

In a related development, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi East Municipal Director of Education, Mr Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect as investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster continue

The two developments, communicated in separate letters, add a new dimension to the controversy, which has attracted public attention

Zakaria Abdulai Resigns and Withdraws from Chairmanship Race

In a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Abdulai formally announced his resignation as the incumbent Juaben Constituency Secretary, effective immediately

He also withdrew his candidature for the position of Constituency Chairman in the forthcoming NDC constituency elections.
Explaining his decision, Mr Abdulai expressed gratitude to friends, relatives and well-wishers who, he said, had continued to believe in his innocence despite the allegations levelled against him and his office

He further thanked the NDC for giving him the opportunity to serve the party as a member and an officer, describing his service as a privilege

Mr Abdulai stated that his immediate priority was to pursue all lawful avenues to clear his name and vindicate his position

He expressed hope that after the issues had been resolved, he would return to active political engagement and continue contributing to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC

Copies of his resignation letter were sent to the National Chairman and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party.
GES Directs Two Education Directors to Step Aside

Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has ordered Dr William Amankrah Appiah and Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah to step aside as investigations into the Obuasi SHTS matter continue

According to a GES press release dated October 20, 2026, the directive is intended to ensure that the investigation proceeds without potential interference or the perception of interference

The two directors have been instructed to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr Thomas Kwame Boateng.
GES also clarified that Mr Abdulai remains interdicted, warning the public to disregard reports suggesting that he has been cleared

The Service called for calm, support and cooperation as the investigation continues

Questions over Accountability and the Way Forward

The twin developments raise questions about accountability, institutional oversight and the potential political implications of the controversy

While Mr Abdulai’s resignation and withdrawal from the NDC constituency chairmanship race are formal decisions communicated in his letter, they do not in themselves establish the outcome of the allegations against him

Similarly, the decision to direct the two education directors to step aside is an administrative measure pending investigations and should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing on their part

The central issue remains the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the Obuasi SHTS matter and whether all parties involved will be given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations

For now, Mr Abdulai says he intends to clear his name through lawful means, while the GES maintains that the investigation is continuing

The big question: Will these latest developments help establish accountability and restore public confidence, or will more questions emerge as the investigation unfolds

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The post Obuasi SHTS alleged Sex Matter – Headmaster and Juaben NDC Secretary Zakaria Abdulai Resigns, Dumps Chairmanship Bid as GES Orders Two Education Directors to Step Aside appeared first on GBC URA RADIO.