Tensions rise as NAGRAT demands removal of Deputy Director-General of GES

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a strong call to President John Mahama, demanding the immediate removal of the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi.

At a press conference, NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu emphasized that there are more qualified individuals within the public service who deserve the position.

“We call on the government to look within the Ghana Education Service, the Public Service, and the Civil Service when appointing people to lead key agencies,” Carbonu stated.

He further insisted that political appointees who have not risen through the ranks should be removed. “We call for the removal of all political appointees who have not participated in our service and replace them with men and women who have toiled, sacrificed, risen through the ranks, and proven themselves,” he added.

The Controversy Around Prof. Smile Dzisi

Prof. Smile Dzisi, the former Vice-Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University, made history as the first female to be appointed Rector of a polytechnic in Ghana. She led the institution’s transition into a technical university and also served as President of Data Link Institute of Business and Technology in Tema.

Despite her achievements, NAGRAT insists that her appointment as Deputy Director-General was politically motivated and undermines career progression within the education sector.

Warning of Industrial Action

NAGRAT has warned that failure to address their concerns could result in serious industrial unrest.

“We want to request an audience with the President on these matters to forestall any upheaval in the labour space,” Carbonu cautioned.

The Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG), Isaac Bampoe, who was present at the press conference, expressed solidarity with NAGRAT. He stated that if NAGRAT decides to declare a strike, CLOGSAG will support them.

“We will be writing to the Minister of Jobs and Employment to request a meeting with the President. We know he is a listening President. What is happening now will affect Ghana’s development,” Bampoe warned.

As tensions mount, all eyes are on the government to see how it will respond to NAGRAT’s demands in order to prevent potential disruptions in the education sector.